Clark College Awarded $2.2 million Title III Grant
For Immediate Release
March 29, 2024
Department of Education grant to enhance institutional programs and education
VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College has been awarded a $2.2 million Title III Part A Strengthening Institutions Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant will provide Clark College about $450,000 annually for the five years during the grant period through September 30, 2028.
The Title III program helps eligible institutions of higher education to become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability of eligible institutions.
Clark College will use the grant money to increase completion rates through implementing data-informed, technology-enabled career pathways. To achieve this, three strategic objectives were selected by a cross-institutional strategic enrollment management team:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services to continuously adapt and improve.
- Implement Penguin Path, an integrated student success model that connects each student with evidence-based practices that address their individualized needs.
- Create flexible learning opportunities through a centralized career hub that integrates career information into course outcomes and increases equitable access to work-based learning opportunities for students.
A portion of the Title III funds will be used to hire three project staff: a Title III project manager to oversee the grant’s implementation, a career connections liaison, and a planning, assessment and integration manager.
Clark College is one of five community or technical colleges in Washington to be awarded a Title III grant this cycle. The other colleges are Bellingham Technical College; Clover Park Technical College, Lakewood; Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Kirkland and South Seattle College, Seattle.
About Department of Education Title III-Strengthening Institution grants
Funds may be used for planning, faculty development, and establishing endowment funds. Administrative management, and the development and improvement of academic programs also are supported. Other projects include joint use of instructional facilities, construction and maintenance, and student service programs designed to improve academic success, including innovative, customized, instruction courses designed to help retain students and move the students rapidly into core courses and through program completion, which may include remedial education and English language instruction.
Learn more about Title III-Strengthening Institution grants
About Clark College
Founded in 1933 and celebrating its 90th year, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education and serves over 8,000 students per term. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education.
Clark College offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.
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For additional information (media inquiries & photo requests):
Susan Parrish, Clark College Communications & Marketing
T: 360-992-2921 E: sparrish@clark.edu
Title III grant contact info:
Dr. Tina Redd, Interim Vice President of Instruction
T: 360-992-2934 E: tredd@clark.edu