PORT ANGELES — A donation to United Way of Clallam County has sparked a $50,000 challenge to create a scholarship program for Peninsula College students in financial need.
If the Peninsula College Foundation raises $50,000 by Aug. 31, United Way will match the amount, said Jody Moss, United Way executive director.
United Way funding will come from the Tim and Pat Morgan Match Fund, a $50,000 fund created by the United Way from a donation the couple made to the agency.
The Morgans, Port Angeles residents who are longtime United Way supporters, decided they wanted to help local college students after reading about increasing enrollments at Peninsula College during a time of significantly declining financial aid availability, Moss said.
The Morgans made an initial contribution to United Way, and United Way challenged Peninsula College to raise $50,000.
‘Very generous’
“Tim and Pat Morgan’s donation is very generous and emphasizes once again the incredible generosity of our community when it comes to supporting those who are in need,” said Mary Hunchberger, executive director of the Peninsula College Foundation.
The match stipulates that donations must come from Clallam County residents, businesses and organizations. No federal or state funding will be matched.
The Morgans see “this type of charitable ‘challenge’ giving as not only helping young people in Clallam County achieve their future goals, but as a way for the community to pull together in supporting education,” Moss said.
“The Morgans also hope that other community members will consider making similar types of gifts,” she added.
Scholarships would be available beginning in September and would provide up to $1,000 per quarter, renewable for up to eight quarters, for eligible students.
Peninsula College will administer the scholarships.
‘Wonderful opportunity’
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Peninsula College students,” said Peninsula College President Tom Keegan.
Keegan noted that as state and federal funding decreases, many find it difficult to afford higher education to prepare them for careers.
“This match will provide much-needed financial assistance and offer economic benefits to both the students and to the county,” Keegan said.
“Students will be better able to afford an education, and Clallam County will have a better-prepared and trained workforce,” he said.
“It’s a win-win situation for everyone and an opportunity to help others in a very meaningful way.”
Tax-deductible donations to the United Way/Peninsula College Scholarship Fund can be sent to the Peninsula College Foundation, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., Port Angeles, WA 98362.
For more information about the Peninsula College Foundation, phone Hunchberger at 360-417-6535.
For more information about United Way, contact Moss at 360-457-3011 or jody@unitedwayclallam.org.
