Community college receives funding for scholarships

Community college receives funding for scholarships

According to Sallie Mae - a provider of student loans - more than $168 billion in financial aid was available during the 2008-2009 academic year. Adult degree seekers may be unaware of the numerous tuition assistance opportunities that are available for nontraditional learners.

For example, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) recently received a grant to help low-income students, first-generation college attendees and people with disabilities earn a degree. The $276,608 TRIO grant is funded by three federal programs which include Student Support Services, Upward Bound and Talent Search. With the support of U.S. Senator John F. Kerry, Jr., a total of 20 Massachusetts colleges received $6 million in federal TRIO funding.

This is the fifth TRIO grant BHCC has received to fund its Student Success Program. In the 2009-2010 academic year, the BHCC Success Program provided tutoring, mentoring and workshops on a range of topics for 175 students, according to program director Margaret Bovill-Hawkins.

"The TRIO programs have been terrific for Massachusetts students who have the drive and the dream of attending college," said Senator Kerry. "I'm very grateful to TRIO for providing opportunity to students who might otherwise never have gotten a shot at the quality education they deserve."

Financial aid opportunities exist for students from diverse backgrounds. Many private organizations, public companies and universities reserve funds each year for scholarships.

By Mark Danson