News Releases

Looking for The Next Step in your education?
Get a Running Start at Clark College

High school sophomores and juniors and their parents
have two opportunities to attend
a “Running Start Information Night” 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 at Clark College. 

The identical sessions will be held from 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18 and Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012 in the Clark College gymnasium 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.  Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.

According to Associate Director of Running Start 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 2012.”

Calvert added, “Although the information night sessions are optional, they provide a great chance to hear current Running Start students describe their experiences in the program, including advantages and disadvantages.  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, which is why the college hosts two identical sessions.  In fall 2011, Clark College welcomed 1,764 Running Start students – an increase of nearly 100 students from the previous year.

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.  Students pay for books, transportation, and some fees. Fees are subject to change by the Washington State Legislature. Fee waivers and limited textbook assistance are available for those demonstrating 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, “The ‘Fall Application and Test Instructions’ web link will be activated in mid-January at www.clark.edu/runningstart.”

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 Gaiser Hall Room 137 two weeks in advance of the events.

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.

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