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QCC Receives Millions to Help Drive Student Success
Contact: Karen Hutner
Office of Institutional Communications
khutner [at] qcc.mass.edu
Release Date:
3/8/2021
WORCESTER, MA—March 8, 2021 — Quinsigamond Community College has received $2.4 million in federal emergency funds from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II, authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), to support students. The College has also allocated an additional $1 million in institutional funds to assist students during the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.
“This unprecedented time in our history requires us to dig deep and support our students in every possible way. This funding will go a long way in helping students realize their dreams of a better life,” said President Luis G. Pedraja, Ph.D. “QCC is the first choice for many students in our region, from traditional high school students, non-traditional students, and students interested in beginning their education to transfer to a 4-year college or university.”
QCC has continued to increase its support services since the onset of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, recognizing the financial challenges many students are currently facing.
“Students have lost jobs, or had their hours decreased, and are now facing emergency expenses. Yet they continue to persevere in their quest for a better life through higher education. Our goal is to make sure that every student who has a dream for a quality education can obtain one,” Dr. Pedraja said.
The College instituted a Student Emergency Fund for students in significant hardship at the onset of the pandemic. These funds are also available to students exempt from receiving certain federal aid due to citizenship, residency or enrollment status. Thanks to the Student Emergency Fund, 571 students have received emergency aid to date.
“It is imperative we do everything we can to help our students mitigate the cost of higher education. In today’s economy, people are realizing that minimizing debt through affordable college options is a smarter decision that will have positive and far-reaching implications,” Dr. Pedraja said.
For more information about QCC, contact Josh Martin, Director of Institutional Communications at 508.854.7513 or jmartin [at] qcc.mass.edu
Quinsigamond Community College is the most affordable higher education in Worcester County. As a regional leader in education and workforce development, QCC serves the diverse educational needs of Central Massachusetts by providing affordable, accessible, and high quality programming leading to transfer, career, and lifelong learning.