“Light the Way Forward” by donating $19.65 to assist OCC students in need
Every day, OCC employees make a difference in our student’s educational journey. But, did you know there are other small ways you can make a lasting impact on their lives and help them reach their goals?
By donating to OCC’s inaugural Talon Day of Giving campaign by April 15, you can help a student in need, stay in class and maintain momentum toward completing their degree. Your contributions directly support the OCC Foundation’s Student Success Fund, which assists enrolled students experiencing financial emergencies, often due to unexpected life events.
The Student Success Fund covers essential needs—like rent, utilities, transportation, food, technology, school supplies and more—for students who have exhausted all other assistance options before submitting their application.
Each gift, regardless of size, makes a difference.
You decide what you can give. A gift of $19.65 on April 15 pays tribute to OCC’s first year of instruction in 1965, celebrating our 60th anniversary, when we opened our doors and began a legacy of changing students’ lives. If you miss the April 15 Day of Giving, gifts to the Student Success Fund are welcome throughout the year through the OCC Foundation.
According to OCC’s Vice Chancellor of Advancement, Christina Ayar, the goal of the Talon Day of Giving campaign is to prevent a student from dropping out of classes. Ayar hopes for 100 percent participation not only from employees, but also extends to alumni, students and retirees of OCC. Community members, parents and family members of students are also encouraged to donate.
“We have a lot of non-traditional students,” said Ayar. “Life sometimes gets in the way of learning for some individuals. Fortunately, community colleges serve that educational void created by career change, or careers paused because of a life event. They’re also a nurturing place for first-generation college students. Our Student Success Fund is just one of the many ways we help our students to the finish line.”
Student overcomes a lifetime of roadblocks
Student Samantha (last name held for privacy purposes) plans to graduate from OCC with an associate degree in Mental Health and Social Work. Her journey has been long, with many setbacks including personal, medical and financial.
Samantha remembers her early life as hungry, homeless and chaotic. In spite of her challenges, she is working to graduate with honors and transfer to a combined bachelor’s/master’s program at a four-year university.
“My OCC counselor was sent to me by God,” said Samantha. “I was initially enrolled in OCC’s Nursing program and struggled with math classes. He pointed me to the Mental Health and Social Work program. It’s what I was meant to do. And if all goes as planned, I’ll get to wear the National Honors Society robe and tassel during graduation!”
This past November, after one of her many hospitalizations for health problems, Samantha could not pay rent. Her landlord was threatening to evict her and her 5-year-old daughter. Samantha’s OCC counselor steered her to apply to the Student Success Fund for assistance.
“I am proud, and I don’t want handouts,” explains Samantha. “But getting put out of homes when I was growing up was not what I wanted for my daughter. I have no words to thank OCC for the $500 and my counselor for making me aware of the Student Success Fund.”
How the Student Success Fund helps students
If approved to receive assistance from the Student Success Fund, a student is eligible for one of the following depending on availability at the time of the request:
- Up to $500 for unexpected, nonacademic emergency expenses
- A laptop computer that must be picked up from the Auburn Hills or Royal Oak campus
- Up to $400 from the Susan & Dennis Fiems Endowed Scholarship for textbooks or the Soldan Family Endowed book fund for required textbooks from the OCC Bookstore
How to apply for other financial assistance
Educational expenses such as tuition and fees, or an outstanding balance on the student’s account are not covered by the Student Success Fund. If you have questions about financial assistance for these types of expenses, reach out to Financial Aid to determine eligibility and apply for scholarships through Scholarship Universe.
Join us lighting the way forward in donating to OCC’s inaugural Talon Day of Giving campaign by April 15.
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About OCC
Oakland Community College offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs with the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility in scheduling. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training and expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | 248.341.2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu