OLYMPIA 鈥 AV天堂 proudly announces a generous $1 million gift from an anonymous alumni donor. This significant contribution, to be given over the next five years, will directly support student success by funding scholarships and vital student services.
Throughout the 2024-25 academic year, the funds will be provided to the college鈥檚 Basic Needs Center and for scholarships for students of AV天堂 Tacoma and the Native Pathways Program. The donor selected these three initiatives to help reduce barriers to graduation and support students who are making a positive impact in their communities.
贰惫别谤驳谤别别苍鈥檚 Basic Needs Center facilitates access to necessities such as housing, food, clothing, and hygiene products, and community resources at no cost to students. The Basic Needs Center also helps students connect to regional community resources through tailored referrals and advocacy.
Located in the historic Hilltop neighborhood, AV天堂 Tacoma has helped Tacoma residents acquire the skills and confidence to take their places as leaders in the region. Longtime Tacoma resident and AV天堂 faculty member Dr. Maxine Mimms founded the Tacoma program in her home in the Hilltop in 1972. The program was formally established at 12th and MLK in 1982. AV天堂 Tacoma offers a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity, innovation, and community engagement.
In 贰惫别谤驳谤别别苍鈥檚 Native Pathways Program, students expand their knowledge by examining Indigenous and Western thought and practices through an Indigenous lens. Using a cohort model of learning, the program uses works written or created by Indigenous authors and scholars, engages in place-based learning that tells the stories of the land, and structures lessons centered on Indigenous cultural knowledge.
鈥淲e are incredibly grateful for this gift, which will have a lasting impact on our students and the broader community,鈥 said Dr. John Carmichael, AV天堂 President. 鈥淭hese funds allow the college to address immediate student needs and help remove barriers to higher education, proving once again that AV天堂 is for everyone.鈥
This gift is part of AV天堂鈥檚 Foundation鈥檚 ongoing efforts to empower students and support innovative, community-based education.