Clark College Foundation raises $2 million during pandemic

CENTRAL PARK — Since March, Clark College Foundation has raised close to $2 million to support the college and its students. The funding is part of the foundation’s $35 million Promising Pathways: The Campaign for Clark College. “We’ve not seen this level of activity from foundations and corporations for years,” said Kathy Chennault, director of development, corporate and foundation relations. “Existing partners have stepped forward to ask how they can help during this critical time.” In May, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington provided $65,000 for emergency grants for students who are facing challenges related to COVID-19. In July, the Hon. Frank L. and Arlene G. Price Foundation provided two grants: The first is a $40,000 grant for virtual simulation software in Clark’s Nursing and Medical Assisting programs. The second provides $15,000 for scholarships and emergency grants. In July, the Anna C. MacAskill Schwab and Dwight L. Schwab Sr. Charitable Foundation awarded $25,000 for Clark College’s Veterans Resource Center to support veterans in crisis during the pandemic. Additionally in July, Building Changes, a Seattle-based nonprofit in conjunction with the Raikes Foundation, awarded $20,000 from its Washington State Student and Youth Homelessness COVID-19 Response. Furthermore, the U.S. Bank Foundation provided $7,500 for Clark’s Network Technology program. Lastly, a $5,000 grant from the Associated General Contractors Oregon Columbia Chapter allows Clark College to purchase a 3D printer.