High School Students Get a Jump on College

By HOWARD BUCK

Amanda Mayoral has long set her sights on becoming a judge someday.

“I’ve been interested in the law since I can remember. I watch C- SPAN before school,” said the 18-year-old, in her second year of general studies at Clark College.

Next up, she hopes, is a transfer to the University of Washington for political science studies. Later would come law school.

With her family’s modest means, leaving Ridgefield High School after her sophomore year to start college early under Clark’s Running Start program has given her a vital edge, she said.

“I wanted to get ahead, because I know it’s really competitive,” Mayoral said of her career path. “If it wasn’t for Running Start, I don’t think I would have as good a chance.”

Mayoral, who serves as Clark’s student body president, will share her story at the school’s Running Start Information Night, set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The one-hour event will be in the Clark gym, inside the O’Connell Sports Center.

The kick-off session is for high school sophomores and juniors and parents interested in the early-start college-credit program. Hundreds are expected at the annual event.

Running Start allows eligible high school juniors and seniors to take Clark classes for college credit while satisfying high school graduation requirements. They may attend day or night classes with older Clark students, either full time or splitting time at high school. Students pay for books, transportation and assorted fees, but their tuition is free.

That lets go-getters such as Mayoral climb quickly, while saving big dollars on tuition. Of nearly 13,000 students total, Clark now counts more than 900 Running Start students.

“It’s an amazing program. It just gives opportunities to people who don’t have the money,” Mayoral said.

Taking 18 credit hours this quarter, she has capitalized on her chances. Mock trial competition at Ridgefield High led to Model United Nations participation.

Last fall, she served as secretary general of the regional MUN conference in Portland. She’s worked on political campaigns and last week testified before state legislators on Gov. Chris Gregoire’s ambitious Washington Learns education initiative.

“They all open up doors,” Mayoral said. She prefers Clark’s more serious side over high school. “The focus in the classroom is 180 degrees different. This will affect you in the long run, just the maturity level,” she said.

For the former club soccer player, the only glitch is being ineligible to compete as a collegian, she noted.

Guests at Tuesday’s session will hear from other Running Start students, too. Eligibility criteria, testing procedures and deadlines will be discussed.

From Wednesday through Feb. 27, sign-up sheets for the Running Start qualifying test will be available in high school counseling offices.

For more information, visit the Clark College Web site at: www.clark.edu/runningstart . For information about Tuesday’s event, call 360-992-2842.

If you

go

What: Running Start program information night.

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Where: Clark College Gym, O’Connell Sports Center, southwest corner of main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way.

Information: visit www.clark.edu/runningstart , or call 360-992- 2842.

Howard Buck covers schools and education. He can be reached at 360-759-8015 or

howard.buck@columbian.com

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