HOW WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
We remove financial barriers so students can stay in school and complete their education.
Each year, we support students in the following ways:
Award scholarships to more than 250 students to help cover tuition, fees, books and supplies.
Provide emergency funding when unexpected expenses threaten a student’s ability to stay enrolled.
Support college programs and initiatives that strengthen learning, belonging and career preparation.
Every gift stays local and directly supports Olympic College students in our community.
THE NEED:
Most people think students leave college because of grades. The truth is, they often leave because of life.
A car breaks down. An apartment floods. A shift gets cut. A childcare plan falls through. These aren't extraordinary circumstances — they're the kind of thing that happens to all of us. But for a student already stretching every dollar, one unexpected crisis can be the difference between finishing and walking away.
At Olympic College, 1 in 3 students faces food insecurity, 54% experience housing or food insecurity, and 72% of student parents struggle to afford childcare while meeting basic needs. Emergency funding requests have risen significantly this year.
Here's what that looks like in real life:
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"I did not expect life to take such a sharp turn all of the sudden... compounded car issues, a flooding apartment and tuition costs.
I don't think I could have afforded to continue my education. I only have 2 more quarters until I finish nursing school.
I was short a few hundred dollars and this emergency grant made it possible for me to stay in the classes I chose. Not only did I pass these classes... but so far I have a 4.0.
I am so close, and cannot wait to give back to the community and provide true, compassionate care.
Thank you for your investment not only in my education, but the healthcare of our community."
- 2nd year, OC nursing student
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These students weren't failing. They were close — and one unexpected bill nearly stopped them.
We are working to increase our capacity to provide emergency grants so that
when a student asks,
'Can you help me stay enrolled?' ...
we can say "yes."