Contact: Cheryl Forbes - 203-332-8531
BRIDGEPORT, CT – The Fairfield County based Near and Far Aid Association is once again providing financial support to Housatonic Community College students. Near and Far Aid granted $12,000 to the Housatonic Community College Foundation to help it meet increased student requests for scholarships to continue and complete their education.
Housatonic Community College President Paul Broadie II said, “The entire HCC community is grateful for Near and Far Aid’s more than 10–year commitment to the college and its students. Here, our focus is on students, and providing them with educational experiences that positively transform their lives. This continued support helps students get the financial help they need to accomplish that goal.”
Near & Far Aid has a reputation for funding agencies in Fairfield County that provide life’s most basic necessities as well as programs with long-term potential to break the cycle of poverty. The organization’s investments at HCC mesh synergistically with the college’s accessible student-centered and community engaged service model.
Housatonic Community College offers an affordable, convenient, and flexible post-secondary education option that prepares students to join the workforce and earn a family-sustaining wage, or further academic study. The average age of HCC students is 27 years old and nearly 50 percent of them live in Bridgeport. Sixty-one (61) percent are women, and 69 percent of students are enrolled on a part-time basis. Many head single-parent households and are defined as low-to-moderate income by federal guidelines and standards. For these students financial aid is particularly crucial.
Since 2000, Housatonic Community College has received nearly $119,000 in grants from Near & Far Aid, an all-volunteer, no paid staff or office space philanthropic entity. Both organizations share the common goal of strengthening communities. To date, Near & Far Aid has disbursed $14 million in grants to 100 agencies and programs that address the causes and effects of poverty in Fairfield County. Housatonic Community College, now in its 50th year is celebrating the Class of 2017’s 616 graduates, 384 of which had a grade point average between 3.0 and 3.99. Seven graduates excelled with a grade point average of 4.0 or above. Post commencement plans include both employment and baccalaureate study at public and private colleges and universities. Housatonic’s Advanced Manufacturing Program graduates now have a three-year streak of 100% job placement.
The Near & Far Aid grant will help cover expenses for currently enrolled students with less than 70 college credits, as well as those with more but who have not completed a college degree. Additional eligibility criteria may be obtained at www.housatonic.edu/hccf Students may also contact the HCC Foundation at (203) 332-5038. Scholarships will be available beginning Fall 2017.
About Housatonic Community College: Housatonic Community College is a student-centered institution offering Associate Degree programs in preparation for transfer to four-year institutions, as well as occupationally oriented Associate Degree and Certificate programs. Housatonic Community College is one of 12 regional community colleges within the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities (CSCU) system, and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education.