In a tribute to the memory of Matthew Yates, the Clark State College Foundation received a substantial donation of more than $27,000 from the organizers of the Matthew Yates Memorial Basketball Tournament. These funds will be dedicated by Clark State College to the Matthew Yates Memorial Scholarship, an initiative that pays homage to Yates, a member of the Clark County Sheriff's Department who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving his community. 

“The tournament showcases our community’s commitment to honoring its heroes and this generous donation serves as a testament to the profound impact Matthew had on the lives of those around him,” said Toni Overholser, vice president of advancement and outreach. “By providing financial support to students who are pursuing careers in law enforcement and mental health, future scholarship recipients benefit from Matthew’s legacy.”

Scholarship recipients are students pursuing certificates and degrees through Clark State’s School of Health, Human and Public Services, including Clark State’s Basic Peace Officer Training Academy, of which Yates and his wife, Tracy, are both graduates.

Clark State offers four academies each year that meet the requirements of the Ohio Police Officer Training Council and is offered in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, the State of Ohio and OPOTC.  Both day and night classes are available. To learn more about the program, visit www.clarkstate.edu/academics/basic-police-officer-inquiry-form  or call Paul Weber, academy commander, at 937-328-6050.

To learn more about all degrees and certificates, visit www.clarkstate.edu/academics/degrees-and-certificates.

Donations to the Matthew Yates Memorial Scholarship can be made online at https://slate.clarkstate.edu/register/matthewyatesscholarship.