Where federal stimulus funding falls short

Posted April 15, 2020

Clark College Foundation and Clark College work together to financially support students and the community during this crisis and for years to come

This story was updated on December 23, 2020

Clark College received more than $5.2 million in federal stimulus funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. While this funding is important for Clark during these uncertain times, it is only part of the solution and is not the long-term answer for financial stability.

Half of the funds are required to go directly to students and are urged to be made available to those who have the most significant needs. The remaining half was used to cover expenses related to the disruption of operations due to the pandemic. Clark College set its priorities for student support in areas such as technology, tuition assistance, food, housing and child care.

Clark College Foundation’s Promising Pathways campaign is solidly in place and is designed to provide long-term solutions, as well as assist with immediate emergency funding during a student’s educational path.

Your gifts to Clark College Foundation support the foundation and the college in their collective effort to serve our community for decades—long after the pandemic is behind us. The gifts provide resources to prepare students with learning and training that support family wage jobs and will add tremendous value to Southwest Washington’s economic revival following this pandemic. Supporting Promising Pathways: The Campaign for Clark College is now more important than ever.

We are dedicated to supporting as many of our students as possible during this difficult time and well after the outbreak has subsided. As part of our Promising Pathways campaign, three funds are in place to help students and the college:

Flexible scholarships give Clark College options for providing tuition support in less restrictive ways. They enable students to complete their studies and not drop out due to tuition expenses.

The Clark College Student Emergency Fund helps to buy food, pay medical bills and provide child care to help students maintain themselves and their families while they continue their studies.

Clark College Foundation can respond effectively and efficiently when you support our Greatest Needs Fund. This is where we have the flexibility to address both developing and long-term realities.

The easiest way to give is online, any time.