justducky
Hi! I worked as a vet tech for several years and do know it can be difficult to get information as clinics are very busy.
It is true that finding experience when you are under 18 can be difficult. I would draft out a letter and say exactly what you posted here, you are in the running-start program and are interested in anything they can help you with, job shadowing, interviews, and kennel cleaning (I know the clinic I worked at, we had a volunteer kennel cleaner that was in high school). Are you interested in exotics, emergency or large animal (horses and farm) medicine? Mention this! If there is a particular field you are interested in, find out which clinics in the area specialize in that area, it’s okay if you don’t know yet, ask for the experience anyway.
Call the various vet clinics in the area and find out who their head or lead veterinarian is, and write the letter to them.
As angelscrest suggested, call a few of the rescue groups and ask about volunteer positions. I currently volunteer for one and it fills my need for helping animals as I am not currently working at a clinic.
Congratulations on your chosen career path, and I wish you the best of luck, it is very rewarding.