Financial Aid

HCC Receives $20,000 from Ellucian for COVID-19 Student Relief

(December 10, 2020)— Hagerstown Community College was selected by Ellucian as a 2020 PATH Scholarship recipient out of more than 160 community college applicants. PATH (Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, and Hope) awards scholarship funds to institutions which, in turn, deliver the financial support to students experiencing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

HCC received $20,000 which will be distributed to 14 students. These funds will help to cover tuition expenses to allow these students to either graduate without debt to the college or to enroll in final courses to keep them on the path to completing their associate degree. The amount of the award varied per student and ranged from $700 to $2,400. 

“It’s unusual that we get to help students in financial need in this way,” said Christine Ohl-Gigliotti, HCC dean of students. “To be able to fund scholarships to pay tuition balances so students can stay on track with their degree plans – and graduate in the next six months – is an educator’s dream. These students are committed to completing their HCC programs and we’re committed to see them to the finish line.”

“COVID-19 has placed immense pressure on students financially, academically and personally making it even more difficult for some to achieve their educational dreams,” said Laura Ipsen, CEO and president of Ellucian. “As a partner to higher education institutions around the world, we have been humbled to see how the community responded in the wake of COVID and are committed to do our part to help students succeed.”

Ellucian, the leading provider of software and services built to power higher education, has pledged an initial $1 million to the scholarship fund and distributed $500,000 to community and technical colleges across the United States in November. The program aims to continue its growth with the support of partners to reach a $10 million goal in 2021. For more information or to get involved, visit www.ellucian.com/path.