Early Learning Sets Pace for the Future
Clark College provides a cutting edge education environment for families and children.
Like most child care facilities, the children at Clark College's Child and Family Studies (CFS) have brightly colored play structures and swings. But there are also trees to climb, gardens for growing food, logs and driftwood to haul, and boulders for building forts, boats - or whatever inspires the imagination.
"There is a worldwide movement to design outdoor play space that increases children's relationship with nature, " says Laurie Cornelius, CFS director. "New educational theories indicate that the availability of natural elements endow youngsters with different skill sets, especially in the areas of investigation and resourcefulness." CFS demonstrates its commitment to this principle by employing an outdoor teacher who encourages and organizes environmental interactions.
Education at CFS is guided by the children and evolves through discussion, reflection, research, creativity, and collaboration. "The curriculum weaves around the children's conversations and probing questions," explains Paul Caggianese, early childhood program specialist. The topic of quilts, for instance, can spin off on a variety of subjects such as pattern, color, history and culture, emotions, stitches and sewing, and fabric origins. CFS has a reputation for its uniqueness in Washington State, combining a progressive education program, a learning lab for Clark College students in early childhood education, support and education for parents and families, and intervention services for high needs children from birth to three years.
All of these programs take place in a series of buildings - some nearly 40 years old - on the main campus. They are loved by many, well uses, and bursting at the seams. But CFS has no central kitchen and, although well fenced, it lacks a coded security system - two items on a long wish list. Nevertheless, staff pulls out all the stops to deliver academically rich services within the confines of the space.
Perhaps one day, a new facility will incorporate instructional design trends with a green environment indoors and out to ensure that, once they leave Clark College, Southwest Washington's students, families, and children have the tools they need to take The Next Step in their lives.
If you would like to modernize and expand Child and Family Studies facilities, contact Daniel Lee, foundation director of major and planned gifts. Call 360-992-2542 or send email to dlee@clark.edu.
Using Your IRA - Extension of a Good Idea
Take advantage of the IRA charitable rollover in 2009.
The newly extended IRA charitable rollover tax incentive is making it easier for individuals age 70 1/2 and older to make tax-free gifts to nonprofit organizations like the Clark College Foundation. Gifts such as these count towards required minimum distributions. It is possible to use both traditional or Roth individual retirement accounts. Charities and foundations are created and sustained by people who give of their resources to solve problems and enrich their communities. The staff at the CPA firm of Peterson & Associates, P.S. provides a yearly scholarship for a Clark College accounting student. Part of the original funding came from an IRA charitable rollover by Vern Peterson, CPA. "Both my wife and I roll over our IRAs to charities," notes Peterson. "The charitable rollover is convenient," says Patsy Eby, CPA and firm owner. "It allows people who don't itemize to deduct charitable contributions from income."
This provision makes it possible for donors to see their assets at work today without causing tax difficulties for themselves or their heirs. Recently, an anonymous donor to the Clark College Foundation used an IRA charitable rollover to move a substantial required minimum distribution. "The donor has already included the foundation in their estate plans," says Barbara Chen, foundation chief financial officer. "But they used the rollover tax incentive to fund current college needs and now have the fun of watching the money in action on campus."
How does the IRA rollover work?
Upon request, your IRA custodian can make a check payable directly to Clark College Foundation. Gifts may not be made to donor advised funds, supporting organizations, or private foundation through an IRA charitable rollover. However, other nonprofits such as the Clark College Foundation can be designated as a recipient.
What are the benefits?
The IRA charitable rollover is a unique vehicle for supporting an important cause in the community - such as education - while allowing individuals to make the most of the tax savings and benefits.
By keeping these donations out of an income stream, individuals can prevent earnings from qualifying for higher tax brackets or causing the phase-out of claimed deductions. "Reducing the reported income from your IRA could also make a difference in Medicare premiums," says Eby.
Are there deadlines?
An individual may give up to $100,000 in an IRA charitable rollover before December 31, 2009. A spouse may also give up to $100,000 if they have their own IRA account.
Make a gift.
Dr. Daniel Lee, foundation director of major and planned gifts, can provide more information about the IRA charitable rollover process. Call him at 360-992-2542 or send email to dlee@clark.edu.
This information is not intended as legal, accounting, tax, investment, or other professional advice. Speak with a professional tax advisor to see if an IRA charitable rollover gift meets your needs.
Scholarship Students Connect with Donors at Reception
The annual Clark College Foundation scholarship reception was held in Gaiser Student Center on Oct. 10. The event brought students and donors together - 300 in all - and gave students the opportunity to thank the people whose scholarship support helps them gain powerful, life-changing education.
For the 2008-2009 academic year, more than $500,000 in scholarships will be awarded to approximately 300 students. "I plan to use my career and technical skills in the future by becoming a leader in the male-dominated field of engineering," says Olga Bocharov, engineering major and recipient of the Leach Engineering Scholarship. "It is an opportunity for me to go to college and accomplish an academic goal I have had my whole life."
Clark College President Bob Knight expressed his gratitude for making the scholarships possible: "Thank you to all of our donors," said Knight. "You gave of your funds and are making a difference in student lives in our community."
More than ever, scholarships are needed for students seeking new careers due to economic challenges. If you would like to contribute toward a scholarship, contact Shirley Schwartz, foundation scholarship program manager. Call 360-992-2301 or send email to sschwartz@clark.edu.
