This is my favorite letter of the year to write, and I think the only way to begin is with the words, “growth and impact.”
The talents, strengths, and aspirations of each and every student is what makes growth possible, and your generous support is why the impact of scholarships and grants continue to help open doors to great career pathways and family-wage jobs.
This annual recap is especially exciting given where we started in 2021. Twelve months ago, the words that best described the new year were resilient and uncertainty. I would add the word hopeful too, because of you and your commitment to seeing that every student thrives and succeeds.
So, here’s to you and the 2021 List of what we accomplished together.
- Launched the first Book & Equipment Grant for first-quarter students and awarded the highest number of students – 119 and $59,500 in grant support
- Provided $44,705 in emergency grant assistance to students. The most requested help – gas and grocery cards
- Largest number of Bridge to Healthcare & IT grants (19) for students transitioning to college programs
- Increased the minimum scholarship amount per-student to $1,000
- Largest number of Board of Directors – 20 – and the most diverse in Foundation history
- Raised the most amount of funds from the Student Success virtual event and the Celebrity Chef Dinner with Shota Nakajima - $170,000!
And drum roll please…awarded 445 scholarships representing $315,924 in student support!
Behind every statistic and fund amount is a student working hard to build a brighter future for themselves and their families. Those are the stories and voices we seek to amplify and honor, and I know that is what inspires your giving.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season!
Carrie Shaw
Executive Director
P.S. If you are considering a year-end gift, 2021 marks the end of the CARES Act charitable giving benefits. I encourage you to connect with your financial advisor to see how best to leverage your charitable gifts to support students.