The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is hosting Be a Student’s Hero Day of Giving on May 3, 2024. This special day, now in its fourth year, was created to share student stories, highlight college programs, increase awareness, and raise money to support students’ educational journeys. The fundraising effort is led by the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF) in partnership with the system’s ten colleges.
This year, the ten-college system and MCCF hope to raise $205,000 district-wide. Funds raised will directly support students where they need help the most including basic living expenses, emergency funds, campus food pantries, as well as traditional school-related fees including tuition, textbooks, and supplies.
One such student who has benefited from emergency funds raised through Be A Student’s Hero is Dilpreet K., who is currently studying phlebotomy at one of MCCCD’s ten colleges. “I cannot express how thankful I am to be gifted this chance to afford school. With this funding, I can now pay for books and supplies needed for my studies,” shared Dilpreet. “I had to abruptly quit my job due to the mental and physical stress it gave me. I have always been interested in entering the medical field and this opportunity spoke out to me. Within just a few months, I will be able to get my certificate and enter the workforce. Having this funding will allow me to focus on school without worrying about making ends meet.”
To increase awareness of Be a Student’s Hero, MCCF is working with community partners such as Swire Coca-Cola and Sodexo on various marketing efforts including a drawing and in-store displays at select Fry’s Food Stores. Additional media opportunities are also being sought out.
“As the largest community college district in Arizona, we are committed to delivering high-quality education that is both accessible and affordable,” said MCCCD Chancellor, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales. “Initiatives like Be a Student’s Hero Day allow us to connect our diverse student population with the financial resources needed to ensure they can achieve their academic goals, without anything standing in their way.”
Be a Student’s Hero was created in 2021 after MCCF saw a 957% increase in student requests for emergency assistance. “The requests we received for support during the pandemic were unprecedented and unfortunately, with the rise of inflation, they have continued,” said Brian F. Spicker, MCCF President and CEO. “Each and every day we are trying to remove the barriers to success that students face and Be a Student’s Hero helps us to do just that. To make post-secondary education and certifications accessible to everyone.”
Contributions for Be a Student’s Hero Day of Giving are being accepted here. Donors can select to support the dedicated cause each college has identified as their greatest need, or select a specific fund of their choosing. Those looking to support scholarship opportunities for MCCCD students can learn more here.
For more information, please contact Judy Sanchez, Chief Development Officer at Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation: [email protected].edu or 480.731.8739.
