2020-2021 Innovation and Impact Report

A Historic $100 Million Committed to the
Students of the California Community Colleges

 
Photo: San Bernardino Valley College
“It hasn’t been easy for me; I’m a mother of six. I feel so happy that I was even given this opportunity. Going back to school and getting this education is really not only going to help me be self-sufficient but help me be involved in my children’s lives and give back to my community.”
— Fulisha Oscar, Madera College
 
 

This last year was unlike any other for the students of our California Community Colleges. As the COVID-19 pandemic continued, many campuses remained closed for in-person instruction, and students faced new and unique challenges as they pushed to achieve their educational goals. Longtime barriers faced by our students, such as food insecurity, homelessness, and balancing work with education, were still present -- if not exacerbated -- by lost work, having to care for themselves or family members who became sick, and much more. 

Still, they persevered. 

Mid-pandemic, Dan and Karen Pritzker of the Jay Pritzker Foundation came to the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FoundationCCC) with a clear mission: they wanted to help students in need, not just during the pandemic, but for the long term. Specifically, they wanted to support those on the cusp of completion -- students who are close to their goals, whether that be a certificate, degree, or transfer, but need financial support to get there. 

They pledged $100,000,000 to the California Community Colleges and its students. The full amount is expected to be the largest philanthropic support for community colleges in the nation to date. 

With this generous gift, a pledge of $5 million annually for 20 years, the Finish Line Scholars Program was launched in October 2020. 

Working closely with the Pritzkers and the Chancellor’s Office, FoundationCCC developed a program which would deliver scholarships of up to $18,500 and emergency financial aid for students at 34 specified colleges in the three regions of California with the lowest percentage of adults who have college degrees. These recipients were defined by goal six in the Vision for Success, focusing on students attending colleges in the Inland Empire, the Central Valley, and the Far North regions of California. 

In its first year, the dollars were used solely to connect students with emergency financial aid, which was critical as they were struggling to stay enrolled in the face of a health and economic crisis, racial reckonings, and unexpected hardships. 

 
 
 
$4.6M

in emergency aid distributed

8,200+

students connected with financial assistance

  • Ashley Calderon

    Ashley Calderon

    “The money was very helpful and I used it to secure housing for when I transfer in the fall to UC Berkeley. The extra money also meant I did not have to work more hours and was able to focus on my studies to keep my grades up.”
    Norco College

  • Laura Edenfield

    “I used the money I received to secure a babysitter for days I had exams in my courses. This funding was so helpful to be less stressed when I took my exams and not have to worry about my children. I am very thankful to be able to receive the funding and continue with my progress with less stress about passing my classes. “
    Mt. San Jacinto College

  • Mariela A. Martinez Hernandez photo.

    Mariela A Martínez Hernández

    “I am extremely thankful for the scholarship given to me by the Finish Line Scholars program. [...] It allowed me to work less hours and focus on my studies. The funds were used to keep up with my bills. Also, I am excited to announce that I finished spring semester with a 4.0 GPA and I graduated from MSJC. Now I will continue my studies at CSU Fullerton. Thank You.”
    Mt. San Jacinto College

  • Lizseth Romero

    “With the emergency funding I was able to continue to study, and I purchased books for my classes, as well as paid for my WIFI services in the meantime of finding a new job. It also got me out of very tough situations such as buying groceries and any supplies I needed for school. I want to thank MSJC for the help that was provided to me. Without it I would have probably dropped out.”
    Mt. San Jacinto College

  • Tasi Wyrick photo

    Tasi Wyrick

    “Before COVID hit I had just started a job and was doing well in school. [Then], my job ended and I was unable to find new employment. I had not worked enough hours to qualify for unemployment, so I had very little money. The Phoenix Scholars program told us about the Finish line funds and I applied on the first day. The extra money helped me with the bare necessities, especially food. Also, I found out I was pregnant and the second disbursement I used to buy things I needed for my baby. I appreciate Norco College and all they do for students, especially Phoenix Scholars. I was able to continue my classes and keep pursuing my goals.”
    Norco College

  • Zoe Kelly photo.

    Zoe Kelly

    Columbia College

  • Edith Flores

    “Last semester I was struggling to pay for classes and materials I needed to graduate. After receiving the funding I was able to pay off some of my classes and use the rest on school supplies. Thank you, for your help!!”
    Mt. San Jacinto College

  • Roxanne Macias photo.

    Roxanne Macias

    “Although I have huge dreams, I also have a huge amount of debt and not enough income. […] With these funds, I plan to catch up on my essential bills to keep the lights on, and buy food for myself. I don't know how to put into words how grateful I am for the person who donated the $500, this act of kindness will stay with me forever. I have never received anything like this, but I plan on repaying the favor when I have the means to. Thank you.”
    Crafton Hills College

  • Lorena Sanchez

    “Being a single mother, the help I received from Spring 2021 has allowed me to contribute to my past due rent. I used the $250 to cover some of the expenses that Covid-19 left my household in financial hole.
    To some people it might not be a lot of money but to me it is gold as it has helped me stay in my home for a bit more. Thank you so much for your generosity. You make a difference in my life as a struggling student.”
    Mt. San Jacinto College

  • Isabella Micciche

    Isabella Micciche

    “Receiving these funds has made it possible for me to pay for the necessities of everyday living such as my housing, phone bill, and other school expenses. These funds will help me focus on my schooling, as I will not have to struggle to support myself. […] As an individual who is recovering from having COVID-19, this is making my transition from sickness into health much more stress free. I truly appreciate your generosity.”
    Crafton Hills College

  • Phillisha Dehart

    “The Emergency Funding from the Finish Line Scholarship Program helped me pay for my books, tuition fees, internet costs, and food to keep me going throughout the school semester. Every little bit I receive in scholarships helps tremendously and is greatly appreciated. Please tell the donors thank you so much for all their selfless help and support!”
    Mt. San Jacinto College

Background Photo: Cuesta College

Local college involvement was crucial to the design and support of the Finish Line Scholars Program from the start. As on-the-ground change agents, our colleges hold deep knowledge and understanding of regional equity barriers and student needs, which they leveraged to design programs that met specific local needs while remaining in alignment with the Pritzkers’ goals and underlying purpose of the Finish Line Scholars Program. 

Working in continued partnership with FoundationCCC, the Finish Line colleges are now implementing strategies that will leave a lasting impact by promoting student success, raising educational attainment, and combating poverty to improve the lives of students, families, and communities.

The challenges of the past year have made the support of donors like the Jay Pritzker Foundation as critical as ever to supporting FoundationCCC's efforts to address inequities faced by our students, especially as they were exacerbated by a pandemic. We know that through generosity and charitable gifts, and deep partnership, we can connect students and colleges to urgently-needed funds that help increase economic and social mobility for Californians and truly transform lives. 

If you are interested in making a gift or learning more about the California Community Colleges Finish Line Scholars Program, visit foundationccc.org/finishline.