Clark State raises over $80K for foundation through virtual fundraiser

Clark State Community College wants to raise its tuition. Katherine Collins/Staff

Clark State Community College raised over $82,000 for the Clark State Foundation through virtual fundraiser. STAFF

Clark State Community College raised over $82,000 for the Clark State Foundation through their “Going the Distance for Clark State Scholarships,” a virtual walk/run that was held Oct. 1-31, according to a release from the school.

“I continue to be amazed at the level of support our community provides during these challenging times,” said Toni Overholser, director of the Clark State Foundation. “Our donors understand the substantial return on investment that educational opportunities at Clark State provide. Clark State’s low tuition costs, open access and support services assure that any individual that would like to improve their lives through education, will have the opportunity to succeed.”

The foundation works closely with local businesses and donors to help remove financial barriers for students and several local school districts to identify eligible middle school students who will become the first in their families to earn a college degree, the release said.

“The pandemic has impacted our low income and minority students at a disproportionately high rate,” Overholser said. “We have seen an increased need for scholarship support. Through the virtual fundraiser the Foundation received funds to support existing scholarships, programs and a donation to advance manufacturing initiatives in the region.”

The Clark State Foundation supports: Scholarships, which are awarded for financial need, academic performance or a specific program of study to both full-time and part-time students; Scholars program, in which students are mentored throughout high school and after graduation are eligible to receive three years of college at Clark State at no cost; and Project Jericho, which provides in-depth visual and performing arts programming to youth and families across the county.

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