Housatonic Community College receives $12K grant from anti-poverty philanthropy

The Housatonic Community College Foundation has received a $12,000 grant for scholarship funds from Near and Far Aid Association, a Fairfield-based philanthropy focused on combating poverty.

The grant is designed to help cover expenses for current students with fewer than 70 college credits, as well as those with more but who have not completed a college degree. The Bridgeport-based college noted that 61 percent are women and 69 percent are enrolled on a part-time basis. Many students head single-parent households and are considered low-to-moderate income by federal guidelines and standards. Near & Far Aid Association has provided the school with nearly $119,000 in grants since 2000, and the new scholarship funding goes into effect with the fall semester.

“The entire HCC community is grateful for Near and Far Aid”™s more than 10”“year commitment to the college and its students,” said Paul Broadie II, the college”™s president. “Here, our focus is on students, and providing them with educational experiences that positively transform their lives. This continued support helps students get the financial help they need to accomplish that goal.”