SCOTTSBLUFF, NE — The Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) Foundation has given nearly $50,000 to students in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a news release from WNCC, $49,672 has been distributed among 92 students. The money comes from the college's Student Emergency Fund.
 
Nearly $30,000 was raised from donations from the community. An additional $27,000 was awarded to the WNCC Foundation from the CARES Act in November. The WNCC Foundation originally applied for the maximum $12,000, but was identified as high-need by the State of Nebraska and was granted a total of $27,000. 
 
"Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the CARES grant, our students are receiving the help they needed during these difficult times," WNCC Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Reisig said. 
 
The college encouraged students to apply for the relief funds. More than 75% of applicants cited COVID-19 related reasons for applying. Seventy percent of the recipients are from the Panhandle. Most who received funds are returning to WNCC for the Spring 2021 semester. 
 
"Our students have been faced with more challenges than ever before during the COVID-19 pandemic," Reisig said. "Many have struggled to pay for rent, food, and childcare which often leaves little left for tuition, fees, and books. This assistance helps our students when they need it most."
 
The Foundation's Student Emergency Fund began in 2015 as a way to respond to students in urgent need of financial assistance. According to WNCC, the fund awards funds totaling over $7,600 to 17 students in an average year.