PATH Scholarship program supports economically-disadvantaged students
Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) has been 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 a focus on supporting students facing economic hardship.
PVCC’s CARE Team distributed the $25,000 amongst 32 students who have experienced unexpected financial hardship, such as housing, transportation, food, gas, cost of utilities, and loss of income and employment that could adversely affect their ability to remain enrolled and complete their academic programs. The rewards ranged from $150 to $1,500 per recipient.
“Students make great sacrifices to attend college and an emergency hardship should not derail their educational goals,” said Dr. Norma Chandler, PVCC Student CARE and Conduct Manager. “The Ellucian Foundation PATH Scholarship has helped to support our students facing financial hardships, and I’m proud that PVCC is among the 25 colleges that received the award.”.
“This scholarship will help me succeed by assisting me in finding housing,” said PVCC engineering student Zoe Bell. “To be successful, I need a safe space to do homework, eat, sleep, and decompress. The scholarship will help pay for moving supplies, truck rental, deposits, and other up-front payments.” Bell, who is currently PVCC’s student senator, has made significant contributions to PVCC and the Maricopa County Community College District through volunteerism, experiential learning, and civic service. She is a member of PVCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter and Women Rising.
Tranese Eason, a PVCC nursing student and also an award recipient added, “The Ellucian Foundation Scholarship will help me succeed this semester because it eliminates the stress of potentially not having electricity. I will be able to focus more on my schooling and completing the RN program so that I may be able to help others in need as well.”
"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, president and chief executive officer, Ellucian. “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 established in 2020 provided by the Ellucian Foundation and to date, has provided more than $2 million in grants. By the end of 2023, more than 2,000 students will have received PATH Scholarships. For more information, visit https://stayonpath.org/.