MCC ASSIST

HELPING STUDENTS STAY IN SCHOOL

In fall 2022, the Dreamkeepers emergency grant program was rebranded as MCC Assist, with the same goal: to provide students with mini grants to help overcome financial emergencies. 

Unexpected financial emergencies are a top reason why community college students drop out of school. To address this issue, Monroe Community College was the first community college in Western New York to host MCC Assist, a nationally recognized emergency aid program that helps students persist in their studies by providing financial assistance to those faced with unexpected emergencies, such as car repair or payment for childcare. Launched in fall 2015, with support from Robin ʼ80 and Timothy ʼ80 Wentworth, MCC Assist provides eligible students with emergency aid awards of up to $500 each. It also provides financial counseling to help students identify the root cause of their financial difficulties. Approximately one-third of students who apply receive a grant. 

The MCC Foundation received $72,000 in grants in 2022-2023, including a third round of funding from United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakesʼ Project Uplift initiative, Paychex Charitable Foundation and Avangrid Foundation. Through the advocacy of MCC Foundation directors Maureen Lally and Sergio Esteban, these additional investments will allow MCC to continue providing students with the resources they need to remain in school.