HCC Foundation receives gift from Katy Rotary Fund
Aug 25, 2015
The Houston Community College Foundation received another generous gift in support of student success. At the August meeting of the HCC Board of Trustees, The Katy Rotary Fund presented the HCC Foundation with a check for $30,000, which will provide scholarship support to current and former Katy Independent School District (KISD) students who attend HCC. The donation will award $10,000 per year for the next three years. Starting this academic year, five first-year students and five second-year students will receive up to $1,000 each.
“Student debt as you know is one of the biggest problems today,” said Ken Burton, Katy Rotary Fund president. “If a student gets a full Pell Grant, then he or she does not need any more support, if a student gets a partial Pell Grant, we will pick up the difference so they can get an education.”
Burton explained the money covers tuition, books and fees for students who are in the dual credit program at their Katy ISD High Schools, are on a free lunch program and considered low income.
“This is a gift that has been materializing over the past five years through continuous relationship building through Dr. Zachary Hodges to garner support for students who otherwise might not have an opportunity for a higher education,” said Carme Williams, HCC Foundation executive director. “It’s an honor to receive this financial support for our students.”
Dr. Hodges, president of HCC Northwest College, says this is the first organized, large donation from an organization in the Katy area and appreciates the Katy Rotary’s dedication to education.
“By providing this scholarship, these students can start and get a college transcript,” said Dr. Hodges. “They get a taste of success.”
“I am excited for us to expand our reach into Katy which is a great school district with a lot of top quality students coming to HCC,” said Shawn Taylor, HCC Foundation Board president. “This is just one more piece to what we are trying to do to help provide education for our students.”
To apply for scholarships through the HCC Foundation, visit hccsfoundation.org.