Four Running Start Information Nights held Feb. 5, Feb. 24, March 9, and March 24      

High school students can learn how to take the next step in their education by attending one of four optional Running Start Information Night sessions at Clark College.

The identical sessions will be held 7:00-8:00p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5; Monday, Feb. 24; Monday,March 9; and Tuesday, March 24. All four events, which are free and open to thepublic, will be held in the Clark College gymnasium in the O’ConnellSports Center, located on the southwest side of Clark College’s main campus.

Running Start allows eligible juniorsand seniors to earn college credit while they fulfill their high schoolgraduation requirements. Running Start students attend Clark classes along with “regular” college students. They can choose froma full range of academic and professional and technical courses.

The program, which can significantly reduce thecost of a college degree, has proven popular in Southwest Washington. SomeRunning Start students are so motivated that they earn their associate degreefrom Clark at the same time that they earn their high school diploma. Theseannual information nights frequently attract hundreds of interested studentsand parents to the college, which is why the college is hosting four sessionsthis year. Clark College welcomed 2,428 Running Start students atthe beginning of the 2019 fall term.

These information sessions are for students andparents who want to know more about beginning the program in Fall 2020. Whilethe sessions are completely optional, they are a good opportunity to hearcurrent Running Start students candidly describe their experiences in theprogram and to learn about the eligibility criteria, expectations, timelines,and more. Students and parents who live on the eastern side of the college’sservice district can also find out about expanded options available at Clark’sEast Vancouver location at Columbia Tech Center.

Running Start students pay for books,transportation, and some fees, but do not pay full Clark College tuition.Students can attend part-time or full-time under the Running Start program. Feesare subject to change by the Washington State Legislature. A fee waiver isavailable for those demonstrating financial need.

Clark College is locatedat 1933 Fort Vancouver Way in Vancouver, Wash. Parking will be available in thecollege’s Red lots on the east side of Fort Vancouver Way and in the Purple Loton the west side of Fort Vancouver Way. Driving directions and parking maps areavailable at www.clark.edu/maps.

Individualswho need accommodation due to a disability in order to fullyparticipate in this event should contact Clark College’s Disability SupportServices Office at 360-992-2314 or 360-991-0901 (VP), or visit Penguin Union Building (PUB) room 013, as soon as possible.

For moreinformation on Running Start, visit the Clark College website at www.clark.edu/runningstart. For information aboutRunning Start Information Nights, call 360-992-2078.