The Tennessee Board of Regents has received $130,000 in grant funding from the AT&T Foundation to divvy up among the state’s 13 community colleges. Each institution was given $10,000.
The funds will be used to help more than 200 underserved students pay for college expenses — transportation, books and childcare — that aren’t covered by traditional financial aid programs.
“For many students, it will mean the difference between having to drop out or continuing on to college success,” wrote Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora W. Tydings, in an announcement about the scholarship funds.
Nearly 50% of community college students, according to the Board of Regents, are responsible for the care of dependents. Many of them say childcare difficulties make them more likely to drop out of school.
Data also show that “students who spent at least 30 hours per week caring for dependents” tend to have lower grades and are less likely to graduate than their peers.
Students who qualify for the grant will get a maximum of $500 each semester. The funds will serve as a last-dollar scholarship after all other state financial assistance programs have been exhausted. Priority will be given to students pursuing high-demand careers.
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