State of the College / Foundation Annual Report

More than 600 students were honored with scholarships at a special recognition ceremony in October. The event, which celebrated the students and the Foundation’s 50th anniversa- ry, showcased our long list of donors and the many individuals who received a wide variety of scholarships. Although our tuition is more affordable than any other educational institution in Westchester, many students still must over- come significant financial barriers. In addition to the need to pay for their classes, students must be able to afford the entire cost of a college education, including books and other expenses. The WCC Foundation supports our students by directing contributions from local corporate partners and individual donors toward scholarships for incoming high school graduates, continuing students, graduating students, and transfer students. This past year, $2+ million in scholarships were distributed to more than 1,100 students. More than half of these students attended the annual scholarship recognition ceremony. Monica Victoria became the college’s tenth winner of the highly competitive Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The $40,000 per year award is the largest community college student scholar- ship in the nation. In addition to this funding for tuition, living expenses, books, fees, etc., recipients are eligible to apply for graduate school funding of up to $75,000. “I came to the college in 2015, uncertain of who I was. I was a meek person at that time, and doubtful of my scholarly capabilities. Now I have graduated with the knowledge that I am strong, qualified, efficient, accomplished, and intelligent–qualities that have carried over into my personal life and that have had a positive effect on my position at work and even on my parenting,” says the Accounting major. 61 scholars from across the nation were selected to receive the award. This past year, $2+ million in scholarships were distributed to more than 1,100 students. More than half of these students attended the annual scholarship recognition ceremony. SCHOLARSHIPS 24 2020 State of the College & Foundation Annual Report 25