News Releases

Clark College, Bank of America
Partner to Bolster

 On-The-Job Training
$15,000 grant connects college with local businesses

VANCOUVER, Wash.—Bank of America has donated $15,000 to Clark College’s Career and Volunteer Service-Learning program to prepare more than 1,000 students with valuable on-the-job training, while improving their chances of completing their education.

Clark College President Robert K. Knight said the college’s primary goal is to improve the rate of post-secondary completion.  “As a result of the alignment with Bank of America, Clark anticipates students will receive high-quality work history experiences—particularly for students with little or no previous work experience—through service learning and community engagement experiences, and opportunities for civic and community engagement, career exploration, life and soft skill development.” Additionally, job readiness and employment opportunities will be enhanced by connecting students to agencies related to their career and employment goals.

“Providing grants to local nonprofit organizations that support career readiness is part of Bank of America’s broader effort to help create economically vibrant communities,” said Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America’s president in Oregon and Southwest Washington. “As part of that, we’re proud to support Clark College’s Career and Volunteer Service-Learning Program which helps prepare college students to enter the workforce and, in turn, support our local economy.”

Clark’s Career and Volunteer Service-Learning program has a history of aligning college classroom learning with current community needs, promoting personal growth of college students through reflection about self, society and the future; combining experiential with academic instruction to focus on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility; and organizing on- and off-campus events that provide service opportunities for Clark College students, faculty and staff.

Some of the 100 community nonprofits, community and governmental organizations that Clark College engages with include American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Clubs, Clark County Health, Clark County Food Bank, Clark County Parks and Recreation, Columbia Springs Environmental Ed. Center, Habitat for Humanity, Habitat ReStore, Hazel Dell Community Garden, Head Start and the Alzheimer Association.

Established in 1973, the Clark College Foundation is a nonprofit charity that serves as the fundraising partner of Clark College in support of student access to educational programs and services. It is nationally recognized for excellence in superior fundraising programs.

About Bank of America

Bank of America’s commitment to corporate social responsibility guides how we operate in a socially, economically, financially and environmentally responsible way around the world. Our goal is to help create economically vibrant regions and communities through lending, investing and giving. By partnering with our stakeholders, we create value that empowers individuals and communities to thrive and contribute to the long-term success of our business. Learn more at Bank of America and follow us on Twitter at @BofA_Community.

PHOTO: Roger Hinshaw, Bank of America’s president in Oregon and Southwest Washington., and Monique Barton, senior VP of corporate social responsibility, display the gift for Clark College’s Career and Volunteer Service-Learning program.

Media: High resolution photo available upon request

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