The Mott Community College Education Association (MCCEA) faculty union board of directors voted to give the Foundation for MCC $25,000 to establish a fund that will help MCC students secure internet connectivity to continue their education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many college classes and services are currently being provided online, requiring students to learn remotely.
The MCC Faculty Union Student Internet Connectivity Fund will allow qualifying students to purchase internet access directly through their local service provider. The purpose of the fund is to ensure that underserved student populations have the reliable Internet connection needed to access online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To qualify, students must be actively enrolled and attending MCC and have a grade point average of 2.0 or better.
The faculty union became concerned in early summer about the number of students potentially left behind when the pandemic forced a switch to online learning, according to Dr. Larry Juchartz, MCCEA President and Humanities instructor.
“For a variety of reasons, many of our students don’t have reliable Internet access,” Juchartz said. “I’ve never seen the union board so enthusiastic in creating and supporting an initiative to help MCC students get the tools they need to be successful in online learning at Mott.”
“The establishment of this fund is a testament to the dedication of our faculty members toward our students,” said MCC President, Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea.
“Their commitment to our students’ success is unparalleled,” Walker-Griffea added.
Applications will be handled through the Lenore Croudy Family Life Center. The fund will be available through at least June 30, 2021. Anyone wishing to apply for the funds can contact the Lenore Croudy Family Life Center 810-814-2308.
