Running Start information nights planned

? What: Running Start information nights.

? When: 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 12 and Jan. 19.

? Where: The Clark College gymnasium in the O’Connell Sports Center, on the southwest corner of Clark’s main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way.

? Cost: Free.

? Information: http://www.clark.edu/runningstart or call 360-992-2366.

Clark College will host Running Start information nights on consecutive Wednesdays next month.

High school sophomores and juniors and their parents have two opportunities to learn how they can take classes, starting in fall 2011, to earn college credit while they fulfill high school graduation requirements.

Running Start students attend regular Clark classes during the day or evening. They can choose from a full range of academic and professional-technical courses as long they meet the criteria and the classes are college-level. Students pay for books, transportation, and some fees; fee waivers and limited textbook assistance are available for those demonstrating financial need.

Identical information sessions will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Jan. 12 and Jan. 19 in the Clark gymnasium in the O’Connell Sports Center. The O’Connell Sports Center is on the southwest corner of Clark’s main campus, at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way.

Attendance is usually in the hundreds. Parking is open in Clark’s red lots (east) and purple lot (west of Fort Vancouver Way). For directions and parking maps, see http://www.clark.edu/maps.

Prospective students will hear current Running Start participants share their experiences, such as advantages and disadvantages. They’ll hear about eligibility criteria, testing procedures, deadlines and more.

Successful participants are generally self-motivated and emotionally mature, and seek new academic challenges, according to Linda Calvert, Running Start director. They also have excellent study and time-management skills. They have college-level skills and maturity; some pursue a Clark associate degree while they earn their high school diploma,

For more information: http://www.clark.edu/runningstart.

For more on the two information nights, call 360-992-2366.

A “Fall 2011 Test Information” web link will be activated in mid-January. Students may register online for the Running Start test for fall 2011: http://www.clark.edu/runningstart.

Persons who need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in the event should contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at 360-992-2314 or 360-992-2835 (TTY), or send an e-mail message to tjacobs@clark.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.