Engineering Initiatives
We invested over $591 million to educate future problem-solvers.


Overview
A. James Clark never forgot that his professional success began with an engineering scholarship. As his company grew, so did his commitment to investing in the next generation of engineering leaders.
The Clark Foundation carried on Mr. Clark’s legacy of supporting engineering students. From expanding access for students who may not otherwise be able to afford a world-class engineering degree to investing in improving facilities and recruiting the best faculty, we focused on preparing future engineers to solve society’s toughest problems.
The A. James Clark Scholars Program
More than a Scholarship: Clark Scholars Program | Clark Foundation
In 2017, the Clark Foundation established the A. James Clark Scholars Program to support undergraduate engineering students. The Clark Scholars Program has been implemented at 11 of the nation’s top institutions, supporting students with strong academic and leadership potential.
In 2023, the Clark Scholars Program Network was established at the University of Maryland to support current and future Clark Scholars in perpetuity. The Network will continue to forge a close-knit community of learning among program leaders within their universities, Clark Scholars Programs, students, and alumni.
Our Results
The Clark Foundation created the Clark Scholars Program to foster tomorrow's engineering leaders. Across our partner network, we committed $332 million to support 475 Scholars annually, forever.
Clark Scholars Program | Clark Foundation
Building Together: An Investment for Maryland

Credit: University of Maryland A. James Clark School of Engineering/E.A. Fernandez IDEA (Innovate, Design and Engineer for America) Factory
The Clark Foundation’s $219.5 million investment was the largest in University of Maryland history and ranks among the largest to a public research institution in the 21st century.
This transformative investment has propelled UMD and the A. James Clark School of Engineering to the forefront of education and research by funding an array of scholarships, fellowships, professorships, and operational and capital projects.
Our Results
The Clark Foundation's investment bolstered the sustainable growth of the Clark School of Engineering and increased access and affordability across the University of Maryland.

Engineering Pathways

Our investments broadened access to high-quality engineering education by supporting community colleges, hiring expert faculty, providing scholarships, and facilitating collaboration among engineering programs. Our partners expanded options for first-generation students and students with financial need.
Our Results
The Clark Foundation increased access to critical resources for engineering students through our partnerships with the National Institute of Student Success, Atlanta University Center Consortium, 50K Coalition, and other initiatives.

Select Additional Grantees
-
Atlanta University Center Consortium
-
Georgia State University
-
National Academy of Engineering
-
National Society of Black Engineers
-
North Carolina A&T State University
-
Virginia Foundation for Community College Education
Related Case Studies
A Leadership Community Created to Drive Engineering Student Success

All data accurate to 2025. Additional image credits: N.C. A&T College of Engineering; Lisa Helfert Photography; 2023 Graduating Scholar Showcase