This report provides an overview of the Running Start program; data about student participation rates and academic performance; updates on savings to families, taxpayers and the state; and new information about national trends in dual-credit programs. Running Start is a program that allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses at Washington's 34 community and technical colleges, and at Washington State, Eastern Washington and Central Washington Universities, The Evergreen State College and Northwest Indian College. Students earn both high school and college credits for these courses. Running Start students and their families do not pay tuition, but they do buy their own books and provide their own transportation. Students receive both high school and college credit for these classes, thus accelerating their progress through the education system. Running Start reduces the amount of time students spend in school, and can reduce overall college costs for students and their families. Running Start continues to serve about 10 percent of the state's high school juniors and seniors. Running Start students perform well while they are in the program and upon transferring to universities. In 2005-06 Running Start students earned an average grade point of 3.12 after transferring to the University of Washington. Running Start students complete more of the credits they attempt, with better grades, than other recent high school graduates who are attending college. Serving 16,540 students in 2005-06, Running Start continues to be an excellent option for qualified juniors and seniors. Students and their parents strongly support the program because it expands their educational choices while reducing the time and expense of completing their education. Running Start continues to help students achieve high academic standards at a lower overall cost to their families and the state.