Students taking part in Flathead Valley Community College’s Running Start program this year will get an extra boost thanks to a $15,350 donation from AT&T Aspire. The funding will go toward student scholarships.

The Running Start program provides eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to get an affordable start on their education by earning college credits while still in high school. The AT&T Aspire scholarships will benefit low-income, underserved and underrepresented students.

“While the first six FVCC credits are offered at no cost for in-district high school students, and subsequent courses are offered at a significantly reduced cost, many students cannot afford to enroll in additional college courses,” FVCC President Jane Karas said. “AT&T’s generous investment in FVCC will make a powerful impact on high school students striving to get a jump start on their educational and career goals.”

During the 2017-18 academic year, 459 high school students participated in Running Start during fall semester, 519 students participated during spring semester and 119 students participated this summer.

For more information about Running Start, contact Beth Romain at 756-3923 or [email protected], or visit www.fvcc.edu/runningstart.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or [email protected].