College launches Ready to Rise campaign to support students
By Jensen, Randy on May 6, 2020.
Greg Bobinec
Lethbridge Herald
Responding to the challenges many students are facing such as job loss and lack of summer employment, Lethbridge College has responded to these challenges by launching its Ready to Rise campaign.
Ready to Rise aims to bring the community together to support its students. With a $1-million goal, the campaign will allow the college the ability to address its students’ most pressing needs including mental health and wellness resources as well as additional financial support.
“Our students play a vital role in our economy as our future workforce,” says Paula Burns, Lethbridge College president and CEO. “But like people across the region and around the world, they are struggling as they face financial hurdles and mental health and wellness challenges. This campaign is an investment in their education and will help ensure our students have access to the supports they need to thrive.”
The Ready to Rise campaign will raise money for two separate but equally important initiatives. The Ready to Rise Fund will help students who are facing financial uncertainties in the form of bursaries, student awards and scholarships. Lethbridge College has already allocated emergency funds to student support but the need for additional funding is imminent, as students will continue to face challenging times beyond the initial impact of any crisis.
The second part is the Respond and Rise Initiative, which will help expand the college’s capacity to meet students’ needs for mental health and wellness resources. Prioritizing the mental health and wellness of students ensures they are truly prepared for what happens next and can help them build resiliency in times of crisis.
“On behalf of students and Lethbridge College we thank our numerous partners including donors, alumni, volunteers, staff and government for your commitment to education,” says Oliver Twizell, Director of Development and Alumni Engagement. “Together we are investing in our students’ futures by removing the barrier of financial need and addressing mental health challenges. Every gift will inspire and transform lives.”
Those interested in supporting the Ready to Rise campaign can find more information online at Lethbridgecollege.ca, or they can contact Lethbridge College’s Development Office. Students in need of financial assistance are encouraged to contact Student Awards and Financial Aid. Students in need of mental health resources and access services through the college’s Wellness Services department.
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