College hosts information night for high school students and their parents
for the college, which has the largest Running Start program in the state.
High school students and their families have an opportunity to attend a free Running Start Information Night at Clark College on Wednesday, March 13, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the O’Connell Sports Center gymnasium on Clark’s main campus.
The information session, which outlines the process for entering the Running Start program in fall 2019, is open to the public with no registration required. Attendance is optional but encouraged as attendees will hear from Running Start participants and learn about the program’s eligibility criteria, benefits, and more.
Running Start allows eligible juniors and seniors to earn college credit while fulfilling their high school graduation requirements. Participants in the Running Start program attend Clark classes alongside the general college population. 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. In addition to the potential cost savings offered through participating in the program, Running Start also provides an opportunity for students to challenge themselves academically.
According to Christina Smith, an instructor in Clark’s Department of English, there are a number of qualities that Running Start students can foster in order to successfully navigate the college environment. “Curiosity, deep desire to learn, and willingness to ask questions in and out of class—these are the traits and skills that lead to success in college,” said Smith.
Reid Brown, a current Running Start student, emphasized that frequent communication with professors can be helpful, along with utilizing services such as tutoring and meeting with advisors. “The environment at Clark is very inviting to young students and there are many resources available to help them with the transition into the college community,” said Brown.
With careful planning and dedication, some Running Start students earn their associate degree from Clark by the time they complete high school. One such student is Maria DeBartolo, who will graduate this June with her high school diploma and an associate degree in Nursing from Clark. “I will be ready to enter a nursing program, which is something that I never thought I would be able to do at 17 years old,” she said.
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.
