The Foundation at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) today announced it received a $1,500 grant from the DTE Foundation to bolster MCC’s Emergency Relief Fund, which helps students – including those financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic – continue to work toward achieving their educational and career aspirations.
“When the stay-home, stay-safe procedures were implemented, we responded quickly by moving traditional classroom instruction to a completely online learning environment for the completion of the Winter 2020 semester,” said Dr. Kojo Quartey, president of MCCC. “For some of our students, this created an unanticipated technology gap. Other students found themselves in an unexpected financial crisis due to job loss or reduced wages.”
The college’s Emergency Relief Fund was established this spring by The Foundation at MCCC’s board of directors to enable the college to respond quickly to emerging student needs related to COVID-19. The goal of the fund is to ensure vulnerable students get the support they need to remain enrolled in classes and focused on their studies.
“In turn, the Foundation at MCCC immediately established the Emergency Relief Fund,” said Dr. Joshua W. Myers, executive director of the Foundation at MCCC. “As the community and our students continue to adjust to the changing landscape, including a primarily digital-based learning environment for the summer and fall semesters, students need our support now more than ever. We know a student who is hungry or lacks power or internet cannot succeed. The Emergency Fund helps our students with these and other needs so they can remain in school and continue working toward their goals.”
Scholarships from the Emergency Relief Fund – which range from $250 to $2,000 – have assisted students with technology needs, including new equipment, software and internet services; tuition and fee assistance; transportation; childcare costs; and more.
“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, students – particularly those with families and/or careers – have been forced to quickly adapt to new ways of learning and living,” said Lynette Dowler, executive director and president, DTE Foundation. “The DTE Foundation’s partnership with MCCC will help lessen unexpected financial constraints that could become obstacles to continued growth and development. We’re proud to be part of this support system, which will undoubtedly position our neighbors and future leaders to achieve their education and career aspirations, and to make positive impacts across Monroe County and beyond.”
For more information on the Emergency Relief Fund, including profiles of some of the recipients of funding and how donors can support MCCC students facing a financial emergency, visit https://www.monroeccc.edu/foundation/emergencyrelief.
About the DTE Foundation
The DTE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy, continuing the legacy of community support and involvement of its electric and natural gas utilities, which serve 2.2 million electric customers in Southeast Michigan and 1.3 million natural gas customers in Michigan. In 2019, the DTE Energy Foundation provided $18 million in grant support to nonprofits throughout the company's service territories. As one of Michigan's leading corporate citizens, DTE Energy is a force for growth and prosperity in communities across Michigan in a variety of ways, including philanthropy, volunteerism and economic progress. Visit DTEFoundation.com to learn more.
About The Foundation at Monroe County Community College
The Foundation at Monroe County Community College is the charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the educational and cultural experience of our students and community.
The Foundation at MCCC leverages voluntary support from donors to enhance the educational, literary, scientific, and cultural experience by helping Monroe County Community College meet its mission. The Foundation at MCCC touches thousands of lives each year through cultural arts programs, scholarships, and educational initiatives that guide and shape the business and civic leaders of tomorrow. Just as important, The Foundation offers a means for individuals of all ages and walks of life to express their philanthropy, act on their concerns, and follow the dictates of their hearts.
About Monroe County Community College
Founded in 1964, Monroe County Community College is a public, two-year institution supported by tax monies from Monroe County, educational funds from the State of Michigan and student tuition. The college’s mission is to enrich lives in our community by providing opportunity through student-focused, affordable, quality higher education and other learning experiences. The Main Campus is located at 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Mich., 48161, with easy access to Toledo and Detroit. The Whitman Center is located in Temperance, Mich., 48182, near the Ohio-Michigan Border. Detailed information about MCCC is available at www.monroeccc.edu.