Who We Are

Welcome to ARCS Foundation Oregon!  

ARCS Foundation Oregon was founded in 2004 by a group of women philanthropists dedicated to advancing science and technology. Today, we are one of 15 Chapters in the United States that provides scholar awards to academically outstanding students who are U.S. citizens studying to complete PhD degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) at Oregon's top research Universities - Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon State University, and the University of Oregon. Our Chapter is led by accomplished women who believe that "Science is the Solution."

Since 2004, we have awarded $7.2 million to 428 PhD candidates in STEM fields. Through their research and collaborations, ARCS scholars are discovering answers to some of today's most complex scientific questions. By supporting these top young scientists, we have hope for a better future. A future when renewable energy is abundant and affordable, when cures for common diseases like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and HIV/AIDS will be found, when clean water will be accessible by all and clean living will be ubiquitous, when mankind will be safe in the face of cataclysmic forces of nature. We take great pride in the accomplishments of our scholars and the impact we know they will have on our collective future.

Commitment to Inclusive Excellence

ARCS Foundation Oregon embraces inclusive excellence as a core value critical to science and innovation. We believe that science is the solution to many of the world's most pressing problems, and diverse perspectives are critical to achieving those solutions. We commit to ensuring that inclusive excellence is honored and upheld within our membership and in our relationships with partner institutions.

Now more than ever, "Science is the Solution" and our impact must continue.
 

2019 Scholars Awards Luncheon where we funded 70 ARCS Scholars

About ARCS National

Fascination with the idea of a U.S. space program turned to alarm when a Soviet-launched satellite orbited Earth in 1957. In Los Angeles, a small but ambitious and energetic group of women asked what they could do to elevate the nation's scientific leadersip and reestablish technological superiority.

On September 5, 1958, ARCS Foundation, Inc. was incorporated as a non-profit organization in California; 13 days later, its formation was announced at the CalTech campus in Pasadena along with its purpose: to "…raise money for scholarships and fellowships (now known as Scholar Awards)…for the support of both undergraduate and graduate students." Today there are 15 Chapters throughout the United States.

ARCS Foundation believes that support of STEM education is essential to U.S. economic growth, technological competitiveness, and continued global leadership. To address the country's need for new scientists and engineers, ARCS fund prestigious ARCS Scholar Awards to help the country's brightest graduate and undergraduate students create new knowledge and innovative technologies. ARCS Chapters have provided $142,454,523 to 12,156 students selected by their universities for their outstanding potential to make a difference.