Lee College students facing unexpected financial troubles no longer have to put their education on the back burner, thanks to a generous grant from Greater Texas Foundation to participate in the Texas Emergency Aid Roadmap program. Lee College was one of 10 community colleges selected by the program to receive a total of $122,500 over a three-year period. The funds will be distributed to students who face unexpected and untimely crises that could prevent them from completing their education.
“Lee College was selected to participate in the Texas Emergency Aid Roadmap for demonstrating a strong commitment to student success and a thoughtful approach to meeting students’ needs,” said Leslie Gurrola, Director of Programs & Strategy for Greater Texas Foundation. “We’re excited to extend the reach and impact of the good work that is already happening here.”
The Texas Emergency Aid Roadmap is a three-year, $1.5 million grant program funded by Greater Texas Foundation to help ten community colleges across the state develop efficient, equitable, sustainable emergency aid programs to ensure students receive the support they need to persist through financial crises.
“Some crises affect entire communities; others are personal. Either way, the effects on students can be devastating,” said Sue McMillin, President & CEO, Greater Texas Foundation. “The Texas Emergency Aid Roadmap program is designed to help colleges be there for their students no matter what crisis they’re facing.”
In spring 2021, Lee College began working toward meeting the immediate needs of students in emergency situations by establishing the emergency aid fund through the Student Resource and Advocacy Center. Aimed at helping those who may be experiencing basic living or childcare insecurities, the program has served more than 40 students since its inception.
“Our students shouldn’t have to give up on college when they encounter financial barriers,” said Kelli Forde-Spiers, Lee College Executive Director of Basic Needs & Title V Grant Project. “This emergency aid funding will allow Lee College to support students experiencing unexpected, emergency financial challenges, in turn encouraging them to focus on their educational success. We are grateful for this partnership with the Greater Texas Foundation and Reos Partners which will expand our ability to serve the Lee College community.”
Based in Bryan, Texas, Greater Texas Foundation is a private foundation that supports efforts to ensure all Texas students are prepared for, have access to, persist in, and complete a postsecondary education. Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has approved more than $100 million in grants to support Texas students.
For more information about Greater Texas Foundation, visit www.greatertexasfoundation.org. For a complete list of resources available for Lee College students, go to www.lee.edu/srac/.