The KIRTLAND FOUNDATION Announces Major Fundraising Campaign
An Investment for a Better Future
The Kirtland Foundation has made scholarships the focus of its fundraising efforts in 2019-20 and is proud to announce The Kirtland Foundation Scholarship Fund Campaign with a goal of raising $225,000 to create 100 new scholarships for our students. Over $76,000 has already been raised or 34% of its goal.
Through annual scholarships and an endowed fund, the Kirtland Foundation awards money to local students in need of financial support for college to help students meet their academic goals and pursue their dreams.
Kirtland students need financial support beyond that offered in federal Pell Grants and student educational loans. “We must close the gap between other sources of student aid and college costs to attract and retain more students,” stated David Lepper, Director of the Kirtland Foundation.
Why is this so important to our communities and students?
- 75% of all jobs in 5 to 10 years will require some postsecondary education.
- Employers cannot find people with the skills needed for jobs in a changing economy.
- Some people cannot get the education they need because of limited financial resources, have family issues, lack of family support, and do not have confidence they can succeed.
- A large number of Kirtland students come from and live in poverty. Many are the first in their family to attend college.
- Many students may need extra time to complete a college education because they are not prepared for college studies. About 60% of students attend Kirtland part- time because of “life issues”. Therefore, they take longer to complete their education and are at risk of dropping-out.
How is Kirtland Meeting the Challenge?
Kirtland Community College and the Kirtland Foundation are helping more students start and complete their education now so we will not lose our young educated people to more populated areas; be able to provide local employers the skilled people they need now; continue to see jobs stay in the area; have quality health care and skilled trades we need in our communities; and have an industry ready workforce needed to attract new or grow current businesses and industry.
Kirtland has a reputation for offering distinctive programs that are nationally recognized. Kirtland ranks in the top 10 in the nation for applications of technology to learning and the new Grayling campus has made higher education more accessible to a larger population. It attracts students from an area about the size of the state of Connecticut.
To reduce student costs for transportation and to accommodate students with jobs, Kirtland offers online courses that provide students the flexibility in their daily schedules. Kirtland is ranked 24th in the nation for value and quality of online learning.Kirtland has a record of providing programs leading to jobs that are in high demand with good salaries. Kirtland’s strategy for the future considers diminished public funding during the next 3 to 5 years.
ABOUT THE KIRTLAND FOUNDATION
Raising funds and raising the bar for higher education in northern Michigan
As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, the Kirtland Foundation raises money from private donors, local businesses, alumni and more, then allocates funds in the form of scholarships and grants to Kirtland Community College students and faculty and staff. Last year the foundation awarded over 50 scholarships to Kirtland Students, including first-year students, non-traditional students, part-time students, veterans and more.
Are you a student in need of financial support, or a donor looking to help our students by contributing to the campaign? Look no further.
Contact us today.
David Lepper
Director, Kirtland Foundation
Kirtland Community College
david.lepper@kirtland.edu
989-275-5000 Ext. 446
