The Miller foundation, an independent, private organization established to enhance the quality of life of Oregonians through support of the arts and education, has offered to donate $1.5 million to Oregon's 17 community colleges. The challenges range from $50,000 up to $320,000, depending on the size of the college. Chemeketa would receive $150,000. That amount could increase if other colleges do not meet their targets and funds are redistributed to colleges who meet or exceed their targets.

To receive the grant, each college's foundation will have to raise an equal amount in new money -- more than the amounts raised for scholarships between April 2007 and March 2008.

If the colleges can meet the challenge, hundreds of additional scholarships will be given to some of the most financially strapped students throughout Oregon.

"This is a huge investment on behalf of Chemeketa's students, and it may be the largest investment by a private foundation in the history of Oregon's community colleges," said John Hawkins, executive director of the Chemeketa Community College Foundation. "We are being challenged to accelerate our fundraising activities, and this will result in more resources to help students succeed."

"We feel community colleges are a vital part of Oregon's educational system and economy," said Chuck Putney, president of the Miller Foundation board. "However, attendance at these colleges is a financial challenge for many students. Frequently, the opportunity to attend a community college is the pathway to a living wage and a secure family."

The Chemeketa foundation received 493 applications for scholarships in 2007-08, but only 264 awards were given, mostly due to limited funds. In 2006-07 the foundation awarded $333,255 in scholarships.

"We know that, for hundreds of students in our district, college enrollment depends on financial resources," said Cheryl Roberts, president of Chemeketa Community College. "The Miller foundation challenge grant will help assure that our foundation will have resources to help many more students attend Chemeketa and achieve their educational dreams. This grant will help students individually and our community as a whole."

Eligible students must fill out the federal financial aid form and must seek an Oregon Opportunity Grant. The Miller foundation funds would be added to those federal and state moneys.

To be eligible, a student must be seeking an associate degree, a certificate or a professional license; the funds are not available for those in noncredit courses, a GED program, a high school diploma program, or students taking courses not designed to meet requirements for a degree, certificate or license.

For more information, contact the Chemeketa foundation office at (503) 365-4747.