Get a Running Start at Clark
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.