Bank of America provides for Clark student-veterans
$20,000 grant provides direct services at Clark’s Veterans Resource Center
Left to right, Clark College Foundation’s Kathy Chennault, student-veteran Jaime Ackley, Bank of America senior VP David Reiter, and Veteran Resource Center manager Dave Daly at a Clark fundraising event in November 2019. Photo by Bill Hauser
Bank of America Charitable Foundation recently provided Clark College Foundation with a generous $20,000 grant in support of Clark College’s student-veterans.
The funding provides textbooks, on-campus dental services, career assessments, emergency grant funds and certification exam fees through Clark’s Veterans Resource Center (VRC).
“Bank of America is proud to support the Veterans Resource Center at Clark College with a $20,000 grant to provide vital services to student-veterans,” said David Reiter, senior vice president, Bank of America. “Creating a safe and supportive environment for veterans at Clark College is critical for their success. It is an honor for Bank of America to give back to those who have given so much for their country.”
The grant counts toward a fundraising priority to raise $2 million for Clark’s Veterans Resource Center. Promising Pathways: The Campaign for Clark College is a $35 million campaign aimed at transforming the lives of students, providing opportunities and sharing the legacies of Clark’s partners and donors. Other top priorities for the college include advanced manufacturing, scholarships, and a new academic framework called Guided Pathways, designed to retain more students and lead them to graduation.
“From textbooks to emergency housing support and even dental services through Clark’s Dental Hygiene program, the Veterans Resource Center performs the work of angels every single day,” said Lisa Gibert, CEO of Clark College Foundation. “Financial support from Bank of America Foundation guarantees our student-veterans will not be forgotten.”
Clark’s Veterans Resource Center helps hundreds of veterans obtain the education and workforce training they need to succeed in the workplace and transition to civilian life. Veterans historically experience homelessness, disabilities, mental health issues, suicides and addictions at rates far greater than the non-veteran public. In fact, 67 percent of Clark’s student veterans are low income and 83 percent are first-generation college students. Many Clark students acknowledge that they suffer from mental health challenges, food and housing insecurities, and struggle with pain, trauma and disabilities. The VRC is a safe and supportive place that helps our student-veterans thrive.
Veterans who are transitioning to civilian life persist in higher education and prosper in the workplace when they have access to a community at Clark. They are more likely to earn a certificate or degree and obtain a living-wage job. However, even those with GI Bill education benefits are unable to cover all the costs associated with school, housing, food and transportation. Clark’s emergency grant program, which offers one-time financial assistance for urgent needs, is a lifeline for veterans facing eviction or other crises that might derail their education.
Through private support—such as the Bank of America Charitable Foundation grant—Clark provides enhanced wraparound services to address financial, academic, personal and professional challenges that affect students’ ability to continue with their studies. Qualified students receive assistance with books, certification fees, emergency grants, access to computers and printers, financial literacy training and similar services that help student veterans to continue their education after active duty.
Bank of America is committed to growing business responsibly and it is embedded in every aspect of the company, from policies and practices to services, products, governance and employee benefits. An important part of that commitment is forming strong partnerships across sectors, including nonprofit organizations serving community needs, bringing collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. The company proudly supports its employees’ volunteer efforts, diversity and inclusion, and environmental and social responsibility. Follow on Twitter at @BofA_News.
Clark College Foundation is an independent, self-governed nonprofit organization that assists Clark College through philanthropy.
