CCC Meets Miller Foundation Challenge Grant

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Last summer the Miller Foundation offered a challenge to Oregon’s 17 community colleges. The foundation offered the colleges a total of $1.5 million for scholarships if they could raise matching funds.

CCC has exceeded the match with time to spare. The CCC Foundation has raised more than $172,000 in new scholarship money, making it eligible for the $110,000 offered to the college through the Miller Foundation. The challenge continues through March.

The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation is an independent, private organization established to enhance the quality of life of Oregonians through support of the arts and education. The challenges issued last year range from $50,000 for the 10 smallest community colleges, up to $320,000 for the state’s largest community college. The distribution plan is based on the number of students at each college.

To get the donation, each college’s foundation is required to raise an equal amount in new money for scholarships within the next year. Clackamas will be able to provide around 50 additional scholarships to students through the Miller Foundation grant.

“In today’s uncertain economic climate, scholarships are invaluable for our students,” said CCC President Joanne Truesdell. “Many Oregon students will benefit from the Miller Foundation gift.”

The Miller Foundation scholarships are available to both part-time and full-time students, who are seeking either a degree or a professional certificate. Scholarships may range from $500 to $3,000 depending on financial need and student goals. Each college’s scholarship committee will oversee awarding the scholarships, which will go toward the 09-10 academic year.

The CCC Foundation, one of the most active community college foundations in the state, awards thousands of dollars in scholarships each year ranging from emergency grants to full scholarships. Last year, the foundation awarded more than $450,000 in scholarship support. With the help of the Miller Foundation grant, the CCC Foundation will award more than half a million this year.

For more information, contact Karen Martini, executive director of the CCC Foundation, at 503-657-6958, ext. 2580.