Engineering Initiatives

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

Amount Invested
$591M
Students Supported Annually
875
Total Scholarships
$297M
Two young people stand on either side of a teal robot bearing the North Carolina A&T college logo.
Two young people stand on either side of a teal robot bearing the North Carolina A&T college logo.

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

$332,000,000
Invested in universities
475+
Scholars served each year in perpetuity
804
Scholars supported to date
326
Clark Scholars Program alumni
90%
Six-year graduation rate

Universities in the Clark Scholars Program Network

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Building Together: An Investment for Maryland

University of Maryland students give a tour of the E.A. Fernandez IDEA lab while Clark Foundation team looks on.

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.

A woman in college regalia gives a speech at a podium. The University of Maryland seal is visible behind her on the stage.
$269,000,000
Invested in the University of Maryland
725
UMD undergraduate and graduate students supported as of 2025
430
UMD students receiving scholarships each year
$90,000,000
Invested in state-of-the-art facilities to support cutting-edge research
40
Clark Scholars supported each year at UMD
50
Clark Opportunity Transfer Scholars supported each year at UMD
140
Clark Doctoral Fellows supported each year at UMD
200
Maryland Promise Scholars supported each year

Engineering Pathways

Two students draft ideas on a white board.

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.

A group of five students gathered around a dry erase board jot down ideas.
$44,000,000
Invested in staff, programming, and flexible scholarship funding to support engineering students through graduation

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

  • 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

Fostering a community grounded in the belief that collaboration and learning leads to a richer student experience.
Read more
Five Clark Scholars Program Leaders stand in a group and smile. They all wear Clark Scholars Program attire.

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