Clark College News and Events

Graphic–Clark College News and Events

Clark College News and Events


January 2, 2008
For Immediate Release
For additional information: 
Barbara Kerr, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Telephone:  360-992-2921
E-mail: bkerr@clark.edu

LOOKING FOR THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR EDUCATION?  GET A RUNNING START
AT CLARK COLLEGE

With the Running Start program reaching new records during winter quarter, Clark College will host two “Running Start Information Night” sessions in January

VANCOUVER, Wash. – High school sophomores and juniors can learn how to take the next step in their education by attending one of two “Running Start Information Night” sessions in January.  The sessions will be held on Tuesday, January 15 and Thursday, January 24, 2008. 

The identical sessions will be held from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Clark College gymnasium, located in the O’Connell Sports Center.  The O’Connell Sports Center is located on the southwest corner of Clark College’s main campus.   Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.    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.

According to Running Start manager Linda Calvert, “These are the kick-off sessions for sophomores and juniors -- and their parents -- who want to know more about Running Start and what the ‘Next Steps’ are to begin the program in fall 2008.”

Calvert notes that winter quarter of 2008 is shaping up as the most successful in the history of Clark’s Running Start program, with 1,067 students registered.  Those students, said Calvert, “reflect 800 full-time equivalent students for the first-time ever.  And, on average, our students are carrying over 11 credits this quarter.”   

Calvert added, “Historically, we’ve done one Running Start information night each year.  But we’ve had so much interest in the program that we’re expanding to two nights.”  She added, “The same information will be presented at both sessions. Students and parents only need to attend one of the programs.”

Running Start allows eligible juniors and seniors to take classes to earn college credit while they fulfill their high school graduation requirements.  Running Start students attend regular Clark classes during the day or in the evening, along with “regular” college students.  They can choose from a full range of academic and professional/technical courses as long as the students meet the criteria and the classes are college-level.  The tuition for eligible students is covered by the school district.  Students pay for books, transportation, and any miscellaneous class fees. Limited textbook assistance is available for those with financial need. 

Linda Calvert noted, “Successful Running Start students are generally self-motivated, emotionally mature, and looking for additional academic challenges. They also have excellent study and time management skills.  They have college-level skills and maturity.   Some students are so motivated that they earn their Associate Degree from Clark at the same time that they earn their high school diploma.” 

Calvert added, “This session will provide a great chance to hear current Running Start students describe their experiences in the program.  We’ll talk about the eligibility criteria, testing procedures, deadlines, and more.”  Calvert noted that this annual event frequently attracts hundreds of interested students and parents to the college. 

Calvert added, “After they attend an information night session, students should sign up online for the Running Start test for fall 2008.   The ‘Fall 2008 Test Information’ web link will be activated in mid-January.”

Running Start student Jena Bodell plans to graduate this June with her Associate in Arts Degree.  Bodell, a senior at Skyview High School, will then transfer to a university to complete her bachelor's degree in theatre direction, with a teaching certificate in secondary education.  She also hopes to one day own and manage a children's theatre school in Vancouver.

Bodell is the fourth member of her family to participate in Running Start.  She said, "Running Start has allowed me to gain experience working with various age groups, something I wouldn't get in high school.  Everyone here gives Running Start students the respect they would give any other college student.  I'm very glad I was able to get ahead in my education."

For more information on Running Start, visit the Clark College website.  For information about “Running Start Information Nights,” call 360-992-2842.

If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, you should contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at (360) 992-2314 or (360) 992-2835 (TTY), or visit Penguin Student Union room 014, by January 10.

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