HCCC Receives $25,000 Grant from the Ellucian Foundation to Support Students in Need
December 12, 2023
The PATH Scholarship program supports economically disadvantaged students.
December 12, 2023, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC) was selected as a 2023 Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship recipient through the Ellucian Foundation. The PATH Scholarship program provided grants to two-year public institutions in 2023 with an emphasis on supporting students facing economic hardship.
HCCC received $25,000, which was distributed to 22 HCCC students to help address needs such as housing costs, tuition expenses and food.
Over 80% of HCCC students qualify for federal Pell Grants – the highest percentage among New Jersey community colleges. HCCC’s full-time students receive an average financial aid package of $6,125, and, as a result, 82% of HCCC students graduate debt-free, which is an important milestone during a time of rising college tuition costs.
The new PATH Scholarship grant from the Ellucian Foundation will help even more HCCC
students cross the finish line to graduation.
Pictured: HCCC Class of 2023 graduates.
However, many students face additional obstacles or require a greater level of monetary assistance to achieve their educational goals. Beyond tuition, some of the largest additional financial burdens that HCCC students face include transportation, child and dependent care, housing, and food.
HCCC distributed the Ellucian Foundation funding in a strategic manner to support students who are at a crucial crossroads in their education – who, without this additional assistance, will be unlikely to graduate. The funding helps these deserving students get one step closer towards completing their degrees while removing concerns about how they will pay for their education.
On receiving this award, HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber stated, “Ellucian is a valued partner that shares the College’s vision of breaking down barriers to student success. We are honored to receive this grant, which will help deserving students complete their academic and career goals. Many of these students are on the precipice of academic and career success, and this additional funding will give them the extra boost they need to help them break through.”
"Two-year public colleges are at the heart of the U.S. higher education system, serving as educational and career launch pads for students by providing critical skills and access to a wide range of learners,” said Laura Ipsen, Ellucian President and CEO. “It's imperative that we support these students by mitigating the obstacles that make it difficult to stay in school and develop the skills that are integral to our workforce and society. Through the PATH Scholarship program, we are dedicated to investing in their potential and contributing to their success."
The PATH Scholarship was provided by the Ellucian Foundation, established in 2020 by Ellucian, the leading technology solutions provider for higher education. To date, the PATH Scholarship program has provided more than $2 million in grants. By the end of 2023, more than 2,000 students will have received PATH Scholarships.
“The Ellucian Foundation believes that every student deserves the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams, regardless of their circumstances,” said Jennifer Welding, Executive Director of the Ellucian Foundation. “Through the PATH Scholarship program, we aim to empower students to continue their path towards success, despite any financial hardships they may encounter.”
For more details on the PATH Scholarship, please visit: https://stayonpath.org/