Cougar LEAP Office FFX

The Cougar Leadership, Education, & Advocacy (LEAP) for Progress Office is seeking support from the community for events and ongoing programming. Your contributions directly further our efforts to raise awareness and have critical reflection about topics related to cultural humility, bias, and dismantling the root causes of systemic discrimination. You will also be supporting our efforts to build connections across the community, take courageous action, and better our reporting & resource development at CCC. Please consider giving a one-time or monthly recurring gift to the Clackamas Community College Cougar LEAP Fund for Excellence.

With the help of generous donations, the Cougar LEAP Office has been able to offer events at no-cost to the community to allow for greater learning and community building. The Cougar LEAP Office has paid a stipend for all speakers and entertainers at our signature events, including Indigenous Peoples Day and Summer Connections. The Office has also been able to provide food at no-cost at some of the events and programs, including Summer Connections and a film screening for Island Soldier for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander month. Providing food helps support basic needs, making the event more accessible for students and increasing learning.

A few quotes about our events and learning opportunities:

Black Excellence:

"It was clear this session was well thought out. The facilitator's inviting, calm, empathetic, all-in presence took this session to a higher level. There was so much goodness and inspiration from the panel members. The authentic sharing to each other and the participants filled the room (even though it was virtual) with many emotions and reflections tied to healing, wellness, and community.”

“What a powerful panel! So much authenticity, joy, sorrow, love, and openness.”

“Thoughtful, empathetic, celebratory, positive, engaging, thought provoking”

Summer Connections:

“I don't know quite where I fit in, I feel like I poke out a little everywhere, but your speech tonight all the way home after the shower, still I feel my heart so full. I felt like I belonged like there was a community like people are not just giving up and all those kids are going to grow up so strong because they are seeing their elders fight for their authentic and culture and place in the world and I feel so grateful to be a part of that. Tonight has make me feel more alive that I have in a very very long time.”

Indigenous Peoples Day:

"I am grateful I was able to serve on the first committee to organize an Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Clackamas County, which was a was a pretty big undertaking. But we were determined to make it happen, and it was truly a partnership between agencies. For me, the collaboration affirmed that our community – friends, neighbors, co-workers – are interested in learning more about Oregon’s Tribes and Pacific Northwest culture and history. I am thrilled that we’ve been able to keep it going for a few years now, with a dedicated group of organizers and attendees who are beginning to plan for it each October. When you hear positive feedback from families and educators, that’s the reward."

Your gift ensures these moments of learning, belonging, and connection continue to grow. Help us keep building opportunities that strengthen our students and community.

Thank you LEAP Office sponsors!