Lethbridge College is responding to help students affected by unprecedented financial demands and challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the Fall 2020 semester, the college reacted quickly to make available $200,000 of emergency funding to students to assist them in continuing from the Fall semester to Winter semester.
While emergency funding has always been available for students, increased demand necessitated the college take extra steps to support students. The funding came from a variety of donors and sources, including the Ready to Rise bursary; accessing available donor funds; a gift from the Lethbridge College Students’ Association (LCSA); donations from college employees through both the Pay it Forward 50/50 fund and money raised during a “Dash for Cash” at the college’s virtual holiday party; the Alumni Engagement Office through both the TD Insurance Meloche Monnex alumni matching gift program and a Coca-Cola affinity partnership; and institutional dollars.
Student requests for emergency funding increased by more than 100 per cent from fall 2019 to fall 2020, with more than half of applications specifically mentioning the COVID-19 pandemic as a contributing factor.
“For the students who applied for these bursaries, receiving them is often the difference between being able to continue their educational journey and having to drop out,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO. “Financial security dramatically affects mental health and wellness, so it was important that we found a solution to help our students. I thank everyone who has contributed to our college, as that support has a direct effect on student success.”
The COVID-19 pandemic and public health measures introduced to help slow the spread of the virus have affected the employment of many post-secondary students who rely on part-time or seasonal jobs to finance their education. Lethbridge College’s Student Awards and Financial Aid department works directly with students to identify available student awards, scholarships, grants and loans. The Ready to Rise bursary is then in place to fill in the gap for students who still need further financial support.
“The government COVID relief programs have helped fill some of the funding gaps but they have limitations,” says Marko Hilgersom, Lethbridge College Registrar. “By developing this fund, we are able to relieve some of the financial burden from our students through the generosity of our donors. Being a student is stressful during COVID so we are always looking for ways to improve student wellness.” A
Launched in April, the Ready to Rise campaign allows the college to address its students’ most pressing needs, including mental health and wellness resources as well as additional financial support. The bursary portion of the fund ensures students’ educations will not suffer because of their financial status.
“We are pleased to see how funds from the Ready to Rise campaign have already been able to be used to help students, and I want to thank our employees, the LCSA, our alumni, donors and those who contributed to supporting these students,” says Oliver Twizell, Lethbridge College Director of Development. “Although we have already allocated emergency funds to support students, we know the need for additional funding is imminent as students will continue to face challenging times beyond the initial impact of this crisis. Contributing to this fund means our current and future students will have the resources they need to continue their education and contribute to the economy.”
Those interested in supporting the Ready to Rise campaign can contact Lethbridge College’s Development Office.
Students currently in need of financial assistance are encouraged to contact Student Awards and Financial Aid. Students currently in need of mental health resources can access services through the college’s Wellness Services department.