Bermuda College Foundation Receives $100K
The Bermuda College Foundation has received a $100,000 grant from the Bank of Bermuda Foundation to assist Bermuda College students with financial need for the upcoming school year.
A spokesperson said, “Funds will also assist returning students who may have difficulty paying outstanding fees from this academic year, as a result of the financial impact of Covid-19.
“Noting economic hardship as one of the major challenges facing the community as a result of the pandemic, Bank of Bermuda Foundation said that it recognized the immense need locally and did not want students’ educational pursuits to suffer.”
Bermuda College Foundation stated it is “thankful to Bank of Bermuda Foundation for its generous donation and is pleased to work with the community to assist Bermuda College to fulfil its mission to improve, educate and empower the community through higher learning and professional development.
“This was evidenced recently when Bermuda College graduated 107 students in addition to 20 graduates from its partnership with Mount Saint Vincent University and Miami University, allowing students to gain undergraduate degrees without leaving the Island.”
“We are funding access to education and putting equity at the forefront of what we do. We know that many students will struggle to find summer employment this year, and with many parents potentially out of work, we don’t want our students to fall behind in their important educational endeavours,” Allison Towlson, Managing Director of Bank of Bermuda Foundation stated. “Education lifts individuals and is a great equalizer; it creates opportunity.”
Bermuda College President Dr. Duranda Greene stated, “Bermuda College is extremely grateful to the efforts of Bermuda College Foundation. It has long been one of my goals, as President, to see the establishment of a foundation that would position the College to become more financially independent. In less than a year of operation, the College Foundation has given us a good start, and it couldn’t have come at a more opportune time as the loss of employment has stymied the academic pursuits of many in our community.”
She further stated that of the approximate 1,200 students enrolled at the college last year [700 in the academic divisions and 500 studying for professional certification through Professional and Career Education], approximately 30% received financial assistance.
Based on recent survey results, it is estimated that approximately 40% of students may require financial assistance in the upcoming year. Additionally, many students are carrying balances from the current academic year in the amount of $240,000, a spokesperson explained.
“While the needs of the College are many, which are outlined in the brochure on Bermuda College Foundation‘s website, Chairman Mark Berry stated, “The area of immediate concern is student financial assistance which is estimated to be in the range of $800,000. Corporate and private donors are encouraged to donate to Bermuda College Foundation as an investment in our College, our Bermuda, our future.
“Donations can be made by cheque [payable to Bermuda College Foundation] or direct deposit to Bank of Butterfield: 0604009700015 [BMD] or 8404009700027 [USD], with contact to the College Foundation’s office via email info@bermudacollegefoundation.org to advise of donations.”
Thanks