For many Black River Technical College (BRTC) students, a flat tire, a missed rent payment, or an empty gas tank can be the difference between staying in class and falling behind. The BRTC Foundation helps students through those moments with emergency assistance, and this fall, more students than ever are asking for it.
In the first month of the semester, the Foundation received almost as many requests for emergency funds than it did during the previous academic year. Gas assistance alone shows the change. Last fall, the Foundation distributed 6 gas cards, totaling $180. So far this fall, it has distributed 26 cards, and has ordered $1,600 worth more to keep up with needs.
“Not only have we had almost as many requests by November of this year as we did all of last year, but we have had to increase the amount of each emergency award to even address students’ requests,” said Karen Liebhaber, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the BRTC Foundation.
Emergency assistance can cover needs such as rent, bills, or car repairs. A single donation can help a student get to campus, get their child to school, keep their lights on, keep them from eviction, or even help pay for testing fees. Every gift to the BRTC Foundation goes directly toward helping students stay on track.
How to help:
• Give online: Make a gift to the BRTC Foundation through PayPal. Any amount makes a difference.
• Give by mail or in person: Gifts to the BRTC Foundation can be mailed to 1410 Highway 304 East, P.O. Box 468, Pocahontas, AR 72455. They can also be delivered in person to the Institutional Advancement office on the Pocahontas campus.
The BRTC Foundation exists solely to provide resources to further the academic programs and activities of BRTC. The Foundation’s mission is to assist with the development and enhancement of programs and facilities; to assist in providing broader educational opportunities and service to students, staff, and alumni; and to receive, hold, and administer gifts or grants.
For more information about the BRTC Foundation visit the BRTC Foundation page.
