By Kathy Chouteau
With graduation day in sight, the Contra Costa College Foundation has just given Contra Costa College’s May 2021 graduating class the ultimate gift by erasing all of its leftover debt, clearing away outstanding fees owed to the college. With this move, the foundation has ensured through The Finish Line Fund that no students set to graduate in May will be denied a diploma due to money owed to the school.
“Imagine the sigh of relief these students are taking right now. The Finish Line Fund is another example of how the foundation is stepping up for our students during this difficult pandemic,” said Contra Costa College Interim President Damon A. Bell. “By erasing this debt for over 60 students, the foundation is empowering students to move forward, whether it’s onto their continued educational journeys or meaningful careers.”
According to the foundation, Contra Costa College students—85 percent of whom are low- or middle-low-income and 39 percent of whom are the first in their families to attend college—have experienced serious financial burden due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Finish Line Fund, which covers an average debt of $214 per student, is a student support tool added to a toolkit including wrap-around emergency funding, technology/internet access support and scholarships,” stated the foundation.
The Contra Costa College Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, fundraises to provide crucial support for student success initiatives including the Wrap-Around Fund, scholarships, program enhancements and other efforts. Learn more about the foundation here and Contra Costa College here.
