Tri-Tech and Running Start are two excellent programs that offer various benefits to students, depending on their career paths. Only sophomores entering their junior year and juniors entering their senior year can apply. Tri-Tech is a career-focused program where students work towards their chosen career, while Running Start is college-based, allowing students to take classes and earn free college credits while still in high school.
Running Start students can choose to take classes online or attend in person at Columbia Basin College (CBC), which is located in Pasco, WA. In contrast, Tri Tech is an in-person program offered either in the morning or afternoon at a facility in Kennewick, WA. While Tri Tech provides transportation for students, the cosmetology program and the nursing program (when attending clinics) do not. On the other hand, CBC does not provide transportation services.
Students can apply for one year in either Tri Tech or Running Start. If they decide it’s not the right fit toward the end of the school year, they can opt to drop it for the following year. Some students even choose to participate in Running Start during their junior year and switch to Tri Tech in their senior year or vice versa. Both programs also offer summer courses for students to apply for.
I spoke with several students from Pasco High School who are enrolled in Tri Tech. Here’s what they had to say:
1. **Do you think Tri Tech has benefited you?**
– Edwin Gomez, a senior at Pasco High in the construction program, said, “Yes, it has because of all the certifications I’ve earned and the new job skills that I have learned.”
2. **After doing CBC for a year, what made you want to change to Tri Tech?**
– Arturo Hernandez stated, “I tried to do both, but my counselor didn’t let me. Pasco has favorites and didn’t want to see me succeed.”
3. **If you had the decision to do Tri Tech again, would you?**
– Monica Castro, a junior in the culinary arts program, said, “Yes, I would do it again. I’m continuing in the program for my senior year. I love how I can meet new people, and they teach us many new techniques that can benefit us in the future.”
4. **If you had the decision to do Tri Tech again, would you?**
– Davud Chuquizuta, a senior in the firefighting program, responded, “Yes, I would because it’s fun.”
5. **If you had the decision to do CBC again, would you?**
– Oscar Santillan replied, “Yes, because it’s free college. You can finish your general education earlier while saving money and finish college sooner.”
6. **What does your schedule look like as a CBC student?**
– Oscar Santillan’s schedule:
– Zero hour: 6:32 – 7:37 am Jazz 1
– 1st period: 7:44 – 8:47 am Wind Ensemble
– 2nd period: 9:29 – 10:32 am Civics
– Free until 5th period: 12:23 – 1:27 pm Calculus
– CBC class: History and Jazz (online)
7. **What does your schedule look like as a Tri Tech student?**
– Edwin Gomez’s schedule:
– Zero hour: 6:32 – 7:37 am Jazz 1
– 1st period: 7:44 – 8:47 am Wind Ensemble
– 2nd period: 9:29 – 10:32 am Civics
– Lunch: 10:30 – 11:30
– 12 – 2 pm: Tri Tech or specific areas helping to build houses
8. **What made you want to do Tri Tech?**
– Jennifer Guerrero, who will attend the medical assistance program in her senior year, said, “I want to explore options during my senior year and take advantage of these programs.”
9. **As a graduate of the class of 2024, would you recommend taking CBC courses?**
– Danna Martinez said, “I would recommend taking CBC classes because they are free college classes. The difficulty level is generally easier than university classes, yet still more challenging than high school, making it a good balance. Plus, you may earn a cord to wear at high school graduation. There are also more class varieties, so you can explore different interests. However, I advise students to be prepared for increased responsibility and self-discipline, as they will face challenges with academics, schedules, transportation, and their support system.”
10. **As a graduate of the class of 2024, would you recommend taking Tri Tech?**
– Danna added, “I would recommend it if you’re sure about what you want to do after school because it focuses specifically on skills for that job. It’s beneficial since it hones in on one career.”
