PNCA Announces Miller Challenge Grant, in Support of PNCA’s Programs and Scholarships

Release date: 02/18/11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2011

CONTACT:
Leslie Miller
External Relations Specialist, Pacific Northwest College of Art
lmiller@pnca.edu 503.821.8959

Becca Biggs
Director of Communications, Pacific Northwest College of Art
bbiggs@pnca.edu 971.255.5511

PNCA Announces Miller Challenge Grant, in Support of PNCA’s Programs and Scholarships

Portland, OR–February 18, 2011–Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) has received a Challenge Grant of $100,000 over two years from the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation. The Challenge is in support of new and increased gifts to the annual fund through general support, as well as gifts through the College’s Gala.

Over 85% of PNCA students receive some form of financial aid or scholarship. During the 2010-2011 school year, the College has awarded more than $4 million in student scholarships, representing 25% of the College’s total annual operating budget. Scholarships are especially critical today, as the affordability of a college education becomes an even greater concern for students and their families.

The Miller Foundation Challenge also supports the College as it continues to build its BFA and MFA programs. This year, the College launched its ninth BFA Program, focusing on Contemporary Animated Arts. In fall 2011, the College will launch its third MFA program in Collaborative Design. Both of these programs will help graduating students meet the growing demands of the global workforce for creative, collaborative, critical thinkers. Support from the Miller Foundation Challenge will enable the College to build its annual fund programs, so it can continue to create new BFA and MFA programs to meet the needs of the creative economy.

About Pacific Northwest College of Art

Since its founding in 1909, Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) has become a leader in innovative educational programs that connect students to a global perspective in the visual arts and design. In addition to its nine Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, PNCA offers graduate education with an MFA in Visual Studies and an MFA in Collaborative Design, as well as an MFA in Applied Craft and Design developed in collaboration with the Oregon College of Art and Craft.

PNCA is actively involved in Portland’s cultural life through exhibitions and a vibrant public program of lectures and internationally recognized visiting artists, designers and creative thinkers. With the support of PNCA+FIVE (Ford Institute for Visual Education), the College has a partnership with the nationally acclaimed Museum of Contemporary Craft. For more information, visit www.pnca.edu