Greenville Tech Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from Greenville Women Giving to help address basic needs insecurities among Greenville Technical College (GTC) students.
The grant will provide funding to improve services of the Caring Corner, expanding the food pantry located on the Barton Campus to other campus locations. Additionally, as part of the college’s new Student Assistance and Resources (STAR) Center, grant funds will aid students who face a one-time financial emergency that, without immediate intervention, may cause them to drop out of school.
“We are honored to partner with Greenville Women Giving to address the basic needs of our students,” said Ann Wright, vice president for advancement with the Greenville Tech Foundation. “This grant will help hundreds of students stay on the path to achieving their educational and career goals.”
The college recently participated in the Real College survey to better understand students’ financial well-being with respect to basic needs including food, housing, and transportation. With 14 percent of the student population participating, results showed that 56 percent of students experienced at least one type of basic needs insecurity in the past year.
“Imagine being a student, trying to study while your stomach growls or while you’re worrying about where you will sleep tonight,” said Rick Grant, STAR Center director at Greenville Technical College. “When we help our students overcome barriers such as these, we impact the success of not only individuals but their families as well.”
The Greenville Tech Foundation is one of 11 organizations to receive funding from Greenville Women Giving this year. Awards were announced at the group’s annual meeting, held virtually on Thursday, May 20.