College hosts information night for high school students and their parents
for the college, which has the largest Running Start program in the state.
Highschool students and their families have an opportunity to attend a free RunningStart Information Night at Clark College on Wednesday, March 13, from 7:00-8:00p.m. in the O’Connell Sports Center gymnasium on Clark’s main campus.
Theinformation session, which outlines the process for entering the Running Startprogram in fall 2019, is open to the public with no registration required.Attendance is optional but encouraged as attendees will hear from Running Startparticipants and learn about the program’s eligibility criteria, benefits, andmore.
RunningStart allows eligible juniors and seniors to earn college credit whilefulfilling their high school graduation requirements. Participants in theRunning Start program attend Clark classes alongside the general collegepopulation. They can choose from a full range of academic and professional andtechnical courses, aslong as the students meet the criteriaand the classes are college-level.
Theprogram, which can significantly reduce the cost of a four-year college degree,has proven popular in Southwest Washington. In addition to the potential costsavings offered through participating in the program, Running Start alsoprovides an opportunity for students to challenge themselves academically.
Accordingto Christina Smith, an instructor in Clark’s Department of English, there are a number of qualities that Running Start students canfoster in order to successfully navigate the college environment. “Curiosity, deep desire to learn, and willingness toask questions in and out of class—these are the traits and skills that lead tosuccess in college,” said Smith.
Reid Brown, a current Running Start student, emphasized thatfrequent communication with professors can be helpful, along with utilizingservices such as tutoring and meeting with advisors. “The environment at Clarkis very inviting to young students and there are many resources available tohelp them with the transition into the college community,” said Brown.
Withcareful planning and dedication, some Running Start students earn theirassociate degree from Clark by the time they complete high school. One suchstudent is Maria DeBartolo, who will graduate thisJune with her high school diploma and an associate degree in Nursing fromClark. “I will be ready to enter a nursing program, which is something that Inever thought I would be able to do at 17 years old,” she said.
RunningStart students pay for books, transportation, and some fees, but do not payfull Clark College tuition. Students can be part-time or full-time in RunningStart. Fees are subject to change by the Washington State Legislature. A feewaiver is available for those demonstrating financial need.
ClarkCollege is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way in Vancouver, Wash. Parking willbe available in the college’s Red lots on the east side of Fort Vancouver Wayand in the Purple Lot on the west side of Fort Vancouver Way. Drivingdirections and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.
Individualswho need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate inthis event should contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at360-992-2314 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.
