Southwestern College and Southwestern College Foundation granted over 200,000 in scholarship awards this fall which nearly doubled awards from the previous year.
A total of $202,956 In scholarships were awarded to enrolled students this fall by Southwestern College and the Southwestern College Foundation. That amount nearly doubled the $114,769 that was awarded in Fall 2020.
“This is the largest number of awards and the highest total amount of scholarship funds we’ve distributed in the fall, thanks to our very generous donors,” said Sofia Salgado Robitaille, executive director of the foundation, in a statement.”
This year’s awards include honors for academic achievement, fields of study, graduation from local high schools, financial need, community service, and memorial scholarships. Many do not require that students be eligible for financial aid. The college is also offering many scholarships for the first time, including for LGBTQIA and ESL students, and those studying community health.
According to Robitaille, the college began using technology to distribute funds electronically.
“We’re trying to meet the need created by the pandemic and support students as they recover and continue their education,” Robitaille said.
Recently, Southwestern Community College announced it will return to remote operations for its winter intersession, which lasts about a month beginning Jan.4 through Jan.28. The college is one among several community colleges countywide that have announced changes in their operations due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.
Superintendent/President Dr. Mark Sanchez made this decision in consultation with leadership, the Governing Board, and constituency leaders. The spring semester follows this period through the end of May.
College officials said they will send students and employees a survey to gather their feedback “that will inform the decisions the college makes for the spring 2022 semester.” The survey feedback will be considered along with the authoritative guidance from the County Health Department, Centers for Disease Control, and other relevant data.
“As we begin 2022, still navigating an unprecedented pandemic, I want to thank everyone for taking care of each other, our students, and ourselves,” Sanchez said.
