Ensuring a Bright Future: Now’s the Time to Act

by Jan Oliva

Your support can make all the difference in the success of the Ensuring a Bright Future Campaign for Clark College. We have less than $2 million to go to reach our $20 million goal of funding scholarships, equipping new facilities, providing program enhancements and supporting professional development for faculty and staff.

We are nearly there.

Thank you to the hundreds of donors for their outpouring of enthusiasm and generosity for Clark’s largest fundraising effort in its history. We are truly a community that values education. For 80 years, Clark College has played a key role in the growth and quality of life in Southwest Washington. Many of us have either attended Clark or have family members, employers or co-workers who attended. Our region would not be the thriving community it is today if it weren’t for the resourceful faculty and staff and affordable education offered at Clark College.

Now, we are calling on your support in the final phase of our $20 million fundraising campaign. Your leadership is needed in these areas:

STEM

A new 80,817-square-foot facility—funded by a public-private partnership and scheduled to open in 2016—will provide a rigorous learning environment built upon innovation, collaboration and creative problem solving in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Accordingly, students will be prepared to transfer to baccalaureate institutions or enter directly into the workforce. The number of STEM jobs in Southwest Washington is projected to increase by more than 18,000 in the next seven years and Clark is poised to meet the educational needs to fill those jobs.

There are a variety of opportunities for you to partner with Clark College—from chemistry labs to digital lecture facilities—to enhance our STEM program and prepare students for the regional and global marketplace.

Penguin Promise Scholarships

The Penguin Promise Scholarship, a partnership between Clark College and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington, makes the reality of a college education possible for young people in our region. Without your support, many of these students would not be able to access higher education opportunities and training.

Once in full operation, 125 students will be served annually through Penguin Promise. A multi-million dollar endowment must be established in order for the scholarships to accommodate tuition increases and other costs.

Penguin Promise Scholarships will bear the names of the donors who support this endeavor.

Excellence Fund for Teaching and Learning

Superior teaching is a hallmark of the educational experience at Clark College. The Excellence Fund for Teaching and Learning is a pivotal component of ensuring that faculty stays current in their fields. Similarly, access to technology is a central component of delivering knowledge to our students.

There are several investment opportunities to choose from, such as Smart classrooms and a faculty speaker series.

Now is the time to join us.

Together we can ensure a bright future for Clark students by completing these fundraising efforts. You now have the power to transform lives and shape the future of our community.

Jan Oliva is the chair of the Campaign Leadership Committee.