Running Start is an amazing program that enables high school students to take classes at Olympic College and graduate with an associate of arts degree by the time they receive their high school diploma. The program gives participants a running start in their education.

You get 15 credits worth of classes per quarter and you just have to cover the cost of fees and books — about $100 a book and around $65 for fees. You can even take classes at the high school and college at the same time.

Many local students have taken advantage of this program, getting a better education and graduating from high school with their associate’s degree. Although it hasn’t been around for long, budget cuts are affecting the program and it may be in danger.

A student used to get 18 credits worth of classes instead of 15. Doesn’t sound like a big deal right? Just three credits? Well, three credits a quarter for two years adds up to a total of 18 credits lost. Not only are 18 credits lost on the spot, but if you choose to take one or more classes at the high school, you could be subject to even more college credit loss.

Let’s say you don’t score high enough on the placement test for math or English. You might have to take high school-level classes, losing college credits.

Another potential problem is a form that has to be signed by the high school and college counselors. The form confirms that the classes we picked are still available to us, or that classes can be changed if needed.

That may not sound like a big deal, but with classes starting in only four days and having to schedule appointments with both counselors at the same time that every other student does, on top of scheduling around summer jobs, could make it impossible to make both meetings in time. This could potentially cause you to have to forfeit the Running Start program.

Proposed budget cuts affecting this program jeopardize all students involved. The education of youth is one of the most important things the government funds; students grow up and become the next business executives and politicians. Cutting from areas like this will only hurt the future. Having a better education system makes for smarter adults.

The bottom line is the Running Start program may be in jeopardy. If you are a student at any of the local high schools or a parent of one, you should take advantage of the program while you still can.

Running Start is an opportunity that not everyone has and you should do your best to take advantage of it while you still can.