The Cowlitz Indian Tribe has bestowed a $1 million gift to Clark College, which will be used to bolster three initiatives, according to a college press release, Feb. 14.
The Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s gift reflects a shared vision for fostering education and community development and is allocated to support three pivotal initiatives at Clark College, the press release stated.
Launching the Clark College Innovation Fund
The Innovation Fund will empower dedicated faculty, staff, and students to turn visionary concepts into reality, fostering student-faculty research expeditions and the development of cutting-edge curricula in high-demand fields. The tribe’s contribution will act as a matching gift to generate additional support for the college, according to the press release.
Bolstering the Clark College Greatest Need Fund
The Greatest Need Fund supports a wide range of requests across the college, including emergency grants for students to sponsorships and program needs. This fund provides critical support where it is needed most, ensuring the college can swiftly respond to emerging challenges and opportunities, the press release stated.
Driving broad fiscal investment in Clark College
The largest part of the gift will be used for the fiscal investment initiative, directed by the college president. This initiative aims to support campus enhancements and culture-building over the next five years, according to the press release.
Karin Edwards, Clark College President, announced the gift during her State of the College address on Feb. 14. Since 2017, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe has donated approximately $28 million to its local community and the state of Washington as a whole.
