Foundation raises more than $1.3 million for student needs
With 2020 being one of the most challenging years for students, the San Jacinto College Foundation's fundraising efforts centered around student needs and raised more than $1.3 million toward emergency funding and student success for the year.
"We know that finances are often the one barrier that keeps students from pursuing their dream of a higher education credential, and because of your donations, our students are able to stay on their path toward earning their certificate or degree," said Tom Watson, San Jacinto College Foundation board chair. "When you give to the Foundation, you're actually not only giving to the students' success, you're also giving to the community's success."
One of the highlights of the Foundation's 2020 efforts was the success of its Gala with a Twist, which raised $360,508. Due to the virtual gala concept, 100% of proceeds benefitted emergency student needs for tuition, books, food, clothing, transportation, child care, and more. The campus food markets, coat closets, and other on-campus student resources also benefitted from the gala funds
In addition to the funds raised by the Gala with a Twist, the Foundation also approved $200,000 in emergency funding in March to assist students with $250 scholarships during the COVID-19 crisis, with nearly 1,200 students receiving emergency aid.
Rounding out the year was the Foundation's Giving Tuesday campaign, which raised $8,640. Widely known as a global day of giving back, Giving Tuesday originally began in 2012 as the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, with the idea of encouraging people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Proceeds from the Foundation's Giving Tuesday campaign will benefit the Harris County Promise program at San Jac. In partnership with Pasadena ISD and Good Reason Houston, the program provides up to three years of free tuition and additional support to graduates from Dobie, Sam Rayburn, and South Houston high schools, who take the Promise Pledge to become Promise Scholars.
"The San Jacinto College Foundation helps our students by shouldering some of the financial burden that comes with pursuing higher education," said San Jacinto College Chancellor Dr. Brenda Hellyer. "Each year, our generous donors change the course of so many students' lives. While the scholarships and emergency funding they provide mean less stress for our students, the support also motivates them to persevere. Thanks to you, our students are achieving their educational and career goals."
Learn more about supporting students through the San Jacinto College Foundation.
