The A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation strives to expand opportunities for those who demonstrate the drive and determination to better themselves and their communities. Together with partners, they focus on educating engineers, improving the lives of veterans and their families, and providing members of the DC community the best opportunity to thrive.
Under the leadership of A. James Clark, the Clark Construction Group reshaped the appearance of Washington, DC. In the process, he built a culture of trust and integrity and created opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people who benefited from his vision and generosity.
Along with his wife of 65 years, Alice B. Clark, Mr. Clark built the Foundation through several decades of investment.
A. James & Alice B. Clark
“The Clarks have quietly and generously supported community organizations, hospitals, schools, cultural institutions, and veterans groups to help those willing to work hard to achieve their greatest ambitions.”
From the Clark Foundation Founders page
In addition to supporting engineering education initiatives like EngineerGirl, the Foundation created the A. James Clark Scholars Program, which supports engineering students with strong academic and leadership potential at 11 top universities. Clark Scholars pursue a rigorous curriculum of engineering study, take at least 1-2 business classes, and participate in community service. They also attend leadership seminars and events with leaders in the field.
An interview with Courtney Clark Pastrick
Courtney Clark Pastrick
August 6, 2020
Courtney Clark Pastrick is the Board Chair of the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation. Her father, A. James Clark was the President of Clark Construction Group, which transformed the landscape of Washington, DC with its many projects.
Who were A. James and Alice B. Clark and how were they connected to engineering?
While the world knows them as Jim and Alice Clark, I am lucky enough to call them ‘Dad’ and ‘Mom.’ My parents were married for nearly 65 years, and although my father died in 2015, I am blessed that my mother Alice is still with us today. During his career as an engineer and businessman, my father transformed a small, local construction company he joined as a field engineer in 1950 into Clark Construction Group, a large, nationally renowned company that exists today. As an engineer, my father loved to solve problems, and after he passed away, my mother and our family wanted to continue his legacy of generosity and investing in people.
Why did they create a foundation and what is its purpose?
The A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation was created to carry on my father’s beliefs—that engineers can solve the world’s problems and that everyone who works hard deserves a shot at a thriving, healthy future. Our motto for the Foundation is, “Where Effort Meets Opportunity.” Our Foundation has three main goals: educating engineers to solve society’s toughest problems, improving the lives of veterans and their families, and providing members of the DC community the best opportunity to thrive.
Why did you decide to support EngineerGirl?
Investing in the engineers of the future was very important to my father. To create the best world possible, we need to inspire all young people to enter STEM fields. While conceptions are changing about what an engineer typically “looks like,” some stereotypes and preconceptions still exist, and we want to encourage more girls to explore engineering fields. The world needs their big ideas!
If Mr. Clark were to speak with young people today, what advice do you think he would have for a young girl or woman considering a career in engineering?
He would say, “Go for it, we need your talent!” My father loved meeting students and always brightened up when he was able to spend time with future engineers. He could see himself in their curiosity and drive. Under his leadership at Clark Construction, the company actively recruited women engineers, architects, and other professional roles across all departments. He wanted to expand opportunities for all people who were interested in engineering, so I know he would be so pleased to see EngineerGirls’ programming and the great activities that the Ambassadors are leading to encourage more girls to pursue careers in STEM.