The Foundation Focus: New scholarship announced, mini-grant recipients, and more!

New Scholarship for Geology Students

The Foundation is proud to announce a new annual scholarship has been established specifically for students studying geology at CCC. This scholarship is made possible by the generosity of the Clackamette Mineral & Gem Club and will support students in the Geology Transfer Associate Degree. This degree can lead to a career in many different fields, including environmental studies, volcanic research, paleontology and seismology. The Clackamette Mineral and Gem Club had this to say about their donation: "We are proud to support the next generation of geologists by contributing to a scholarship for a CCC student pursuing a degree in Geology. This exciting field offers a wide range of career opportunities and a strong future for employment, making it a meaningful investment in both education and the Earth sciences community."

CCC Geology Professor AK Kotash is excited about what this opportunity means for students: "I am sincerely grateful for the generous support of the Clackamette Mineral and Gem Club in helping strengthen the geology pathway at Clackamas Community College. Each year, we see students discover a passion for the Earth sciences and pursue geology as an area of study. Their support expands access to transformative field experiences, helps reduce barriers to student participation, and fosters a stronger sense of belonging within our geology community. We deeply appreciate your investment in our students and the future of Earth science education at CCC!”

If you would like to learn more about studying Geology at CCC, click here: https://www.clackamas.edu/academics/degrees-certificates/geology-transfer

To Learn more about the Clackamette Mineral and Gem Club visit: https://www.clackamettegem.org/

Mini-Grant Projects Spotlight

For over 30 years, the CCC Foundation has been supporting innovative projects and curriculum, from CCC staff and faculty, through our mini-grant program. From virtual reality simulation training for nursing students, to a podcast and recording studio, to ESL Open Education Resource Textbooks, mini-grants support new and engaging ideas that build student retention and completion, collaborate with the community and achieve tangible results.

The 2026 projects that were awarded Foundation mini-grants were recently announced and we wanted to share them with you!

Dental Assisting CE Courses for Expanded Practice:

This mini-grant supports the equipment and instructional materials required to launch a new series of continuing education (CE) courses for dental assistants at the Harmony Campus. These courses will prepare participants to earn Oregon-approved certifications in Pit and Fissure Sealants, Soft Reline, and Subgingival Cord Packing—three high-demand credentials not currently offered together in a coordinated format within the region. Seats in this course will be offered to alumni and community dental assistants to expand regional workforce capacity.

EMT Program BLS Textbook Lending Library:

This project establishes a small lending library of American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) student textbooks. Currently, students must purchase their own textbooks for the course, which adds to the financial burden of beginning a healthcare training program. This lending library model allows the same set of books to serve multiple cohorts over approximately five years, reducing costs for students while ensuring equitable access to required learning materials.

CCC Campus Tour Pinball Machine:

This project brings together multiple departments on campus, as well as the Makerspace, to build our own CCC-themed pinball machine called "Campus Tour". This machine will join the others already on campus that were provided by CCC's Pinball Club. By embedding key components of this project into relevant aspects of the curriculum, it will foster excellence through active learning. This project will attract a variety of students and colleagues to work together, partnering on challenging and stimulating collaboration, with the intentional mindset of inclusion across differences.

Industrial Safety Chemistry Lab:

This project provides the equipment necessary for the industrial safety class to spend time in chemistry lab performing a pH identification test, a material degradation test, and a glove compatibility test. This lab will provide experiential learning for students to practice the science used behind the scenes to identify chemical properties and their interactions with workpiece materials and PPE. This transforms current lecture information into a hands-on learning activity.

To learn more about mini-grants visit https://give.clackamas.edu/mini-grants. To donate to our mini-grant program to support future projects, visit: https://give.clackamas.edu/minigolf.

Foundation Spotlight

This month's Foundation Spotlight is on Elizabeth Spillman, our College Advancement Administrative Coordinator. Elizabeth has been with the Foundation since November of 2018. She also works with CCC's marketing and communications office, offering a key bridge between that office and the Foundation.

Where were you before coming to the CCC Foundation?

"I have spent the majority of my career in the non-profit sector. Before coming to CCC, I was at a small, faith-based non-profit in Salem that offered support and resources to young women facing unplanned pregnancies. I planned our fundraising events and helped coordinate our local outreach efforts."

What is your favorite part of your job?

"One of my favorite things is knowing that the work that we do has ripple effects throughout the entire community. Our work affects the students we serve, but also their families and their community. Connecting students with the support they need to achieve their educational goals has generational impact.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

"I am often reading a book with an iced coffee in hand. I also love to cook and hike. Although, right now, you'll most likely find me writing a term paper. I am just two terms away from graduating from Seminary with a masters in ministry leadership. So, who knows, you may find me preaching at a local church sometime in the future."

Pet of the Month

We'd like you to meet Belle, sweet furbaby of Greg Castaneda, CCC's Events Operations Assistant! Belle loves to play catch!

If you would like your furry family members featured in a future edition of The Foundation Focus, reply to this email with a picture, their name, and a fun fact.

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