Community college seeks public’s votes for $25,000 grant

Cuyahoga Community College announced its Student Emergency Fund is one of 200 national finalists in the State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant program, which benefits nonprofits making a difference in their communities.

The State Farm program awards $25,000 grants to 40 different organizations selected by an online public vote, according to a news release. Voting opened Aug. 14 and will close Aug. 23.

Visit www.tri-c.edu/give to vote.

Tri-C’s Student Emergency Fund helps students overcome unforeseen financial challenges with the potential to derail their studies, the release stated. Students can be awarded up to $450 to help them get through tough times.

Last year, the fund helped 125 students. One of those was Rebecca McAdow.

A car crash the day before Thanksgiving left McAdow with a broken left ankle, cracked ribs and a body full of bruises. The violent impact also left her with a pair of mangled eyeglasses, the release stated.

Money from the Student Emergency Fund covered the cost of new glasses plus a few other bills for McAdow, who lives in North Ridgeville with her husband and four children. She didn’t miss a day of school despite the injuries.

“The Student Emergency Fund made it easier for my family to push through,” said the 44-yearold McAdow in the release. “It helped keep me going.”

McAdow earned an associate degree from Tri-C this summer, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA. She plans to transfer to the University of Akron to study dietetics and nutrition.

“Life can throw some serious obstacles in front of students,” said Megan O’Bryan, president of the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation, in the release. “Money from the Emergency Fund could be the difference between a student dropping classes or continuing toward graduation.”

Examples of emergencies covered by the fund include aid following fires or floods; child care situations; medical issues; car repairs; food assistance; and other situations. Tri-C students needing assistance are referred to the dean’s office for review.

Tri-C launched the Student Emergency Fund in 2017 with grant support through the David and Inez Myers Foundation. A State Farm Review Committee selected the College’s Student Emergency Fund as a finalist for the 2019 grant program. The committee reviewed 2,000 applications to narrow the list for the final vote, the release stated.

People may vote for their cause up to 10 times a day for 10 days after submitting a qualifying email address. Winners will be announced Sept. 25.

Examples of emergencies covered by the fund include aid following fires or floods; child care situations; medical issues; car repairs; food assistance; and other situations.