ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- For Cassie Sotello, this is her last year of high school and community college. That's because she left Belvidere North to take part in Running Start.

"I've always been eager to get a jump start," says Sotello.

The dual-credit program allows qualifying high school students to attend Rock Valley College their junior and senior years, earning them both a high school diploma and associates degree at the same time. This year, the second year of the program, there are 92 students total, up from the initial 47 students last year.

"If there are students that are entering their sophomore year and they're at a point mentally or intellectually where they're not being challenged as much as they want to be or should be, statistics show that sometimes those are students that drop out. The program helps them to persist to graduation," explains Douglas Dobbins, Program Director of High School Connections.

And for those who can't afford college tuition, this is another option.

Dobbins says, "The district pays for the tuition and fees and provides transportation so the student only has to come up with money for textbooks." That's about $1,300 a year.

But Dobbins says the program isn't for everyone.

"If students love high school, they love hanging streamers in the hallway, being involved in pep rallies, they should stay in high school. This is for students who are ready to go to the next step," says Dobbins.

Four students weren't ready last year, they returned to high school. But Cassie says this step is right for her.

"I've never really been interested in high school, I never did the dances or the games so I didn't feel like I was losing anything," explains Sotello.

There are qualifications for students who join the program. They must take three placement tests sophomore year and score at college-level, have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and be on track for high school graduation by the end of sophomore year.

Next year, Running Start will add three new school districts. Besides Belvidere, Winnebago, Harlem and Byron school districts will join the program.

An informational session was held last night in Byron. One for Harlem will be held September 20th, Belvidere's will be October 4th, and Winnebago will hold its information session October 13th.

For more information on Running Start, visit www.rockvalleycollege.edu. or call (815) 921-7821.