A Running Start for high schoolers

High school sophomores and juniors can learn how to take the next step in their education by attending one of three optional Running Start Information Night sessions at Clark College.

The identical sessions will be held 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24; Wednesday, Feb. 28; and Wednesday, March 7. All three events, which are free and open to the public, will be held in the Clark College gymnasium in the O’Connell Sports Center, located on the southwest side of Clark College’s main campus.

Running Start allows eligible juniors and seniors to earn college credit while they fulfill their high school graduation requirements. Running Start students attend Clark classes along with “regular” college students. They can choose from a full range of academic and professional and technical courses as long as the students meet the criteria and the classes are college-level.

The program, which can significantly reduce the cost of a four-year college degree, has proven popular in Southwest Washington. Some Running Start students are so motivated that they earn their associate degree from Clark at the same time that they earn their high school diploma. These annual information nights frequently attract hundreds of interested students and parents to the college, which is why the college is hosting three sessions this year. Fall Quarter 2017 Clark College welcomed 2,484 Running Start students, up by 2 percent from the previous year.

These information sessions are for students and parents who want to know more about beginning the program in fall 2018. While the sessions are completely optional, they are a good opportunity to hear current Running Start students candidly describe their experiences in the program and to learn about the eligibility criteria, deadlines, and more.

Running Start students pay for books, transportation, and some fees, but do not pay full Clark College tuition. Students can be part-time or full-time in Running Start. Fees are subject to change by the Washington State Legislature. A fee waiver is available for those demonstrating financial need.

Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way in Vancouver, Wash. Parking will be available in the college’s Red lots on the east side of Fort Vancouver Way and in the Purple Lot on the west side of Fort Vancouver Way. Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.

Individuals who need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event should contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at 360-992-2314 or 360-991-0901 (VP), or visit Penguin Union Building (PUB) room 013, as soon as possible.

For more information on Running Start, visit the Clark College website at www.clark.edu/runningstart. For information about Running Start Information Nights, call 360-992-2366.

Photo: Clark College/Jenny Shadley