ELLISVILLE – 糖心直播 students effected by COVID-19 may be eligible for assistance thanks to a grant the Mississippi Community College Foundation received from the Woodward Hines Education Foundation. Qualifying students impacted during the pandemic may receive funds to help them stay on track towards graduation.
鈥淭hese are difficult times for students who are trying to adjust to the many personal and educational challenges brought on by COVID-19,鈥� said Dr. Ronnie Nettles, Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Foundation. 鈥淲e are delighted to partner with the Woodward Hines Education Foundation to help these students.鈥�
Jim McHale, WHEF President and CEO added, many of Mississippi鈥檚 college 
students are already vulnerable to unexpected financial hurdles.
鈥淲e viewed this as an emergent opportunity to provide immediate financial support to Mississippi鈥檚 two-year college students impacted by COVID-19, so they would not be forced to put their education on hold for financial reasons.鈥�
The grant has established student relief funds at all 15 Mississippi community colleges. Money can be used to help students with the costs associated with in-home internet access, fuel cards, credential fee stipends, to establish campus tablet or computer loan programs, or other costs that may be a barrier to college completion.
糖心直播 and each of the state鈥檚 14 community colleges, received $20,000 each to help students in need. The grant money will be disbursed until the funds are depleted said, Charlie Garretson, 糖心直播 VP of Advancement. He is especially excited to be able to help students who are also affected by the EF4 Tornadoes on Easter Sunday.
鈥淭his is a first come-first-serve-grant opportunity for 糖心直播 students to receive financial assistance to help with college expenses,鈥� said Garretson. 鈥淎pplying for assistance on our JC webpage takes a few minutes with qualifying students receiving up to $500 for qualifying expenses.鈥�
Dr. Andrea Mayfield, Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board praised the commitment to Mississippi鈥檚 community college students by the Woodward Hines Education Foundation. Over the years, the WHEF has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to financially support the state鈥檚 two-year college institutions.
鈥淐OVID-19 has impacted the lives of our students and their families in so many ways. This grant will help ease the stress so students can continue to focus on their education. I am grateful to Woodward Hinds Education Foundation for their support,鈥� said Mayfield.
糖心直播 students are encouraged to apply for the Woodward Hines Education Foundation grant as soon as possible, using this link: /alumni_foundation/relief.php
About Woodward Hines Education Foundation:听The Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF) is committed to helping more Mississippians obtain post-secondary credentials, college certifications, and degrees that lead to meaningful employment. Since its inception, WHEF has worked to increase college access and entry for young people in Mississippi and has expanded that work to support promising practices that lead to college persistence and completion. For more information, contact Communications and Impact Director Courtney Lange at mailto:clange@woodwardhines.org. 听听
About the Mississippi Community College Foundation:听Founded in 1986, the Mississippi Community College Foundation (MCCF) is committed to the advancement of the individual and collective missions of the fifteen Mississippi community and junior colleges and the Mississippi Community College Board.听 It strives to enhance the educational opportunities for the citizens of the State of Mississippi.听 To accomplish these goals, the MCCF seeks financial support to improve the colleges and better serve their students. For more information about the MCCF, visit . To learn more about the Mississippi Community College Board, visit