WWCC selected for $650,000 grant award

WALLA WALLA–The United States Department of Education has awarded Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) $654,889 through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (SSARP) program.

The award provides support to low-income and high-need WWCC students, and it reinforces the college's efforts to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Chair of the Senate Education Committee and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced July 20 that five Washington colleges and universities had received a total of more than $2 million in federal relief. The WWCC award was the largest for any college or university in the state of Washington.

"We are very grateful to have been selected by the Department of Education, with the support of our legislative delegation," WWCC President Chad Hickox said. "This award allows WWCC to continue to serve students through whatever challenges they may face."

This emergency appropriation furnishes funding for institutions of higher education to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rural institutions of higher education like WWCC were given prioritization in the selection process. The college must utilize the funds by July 2023.

"With this additional federal funding, WWCC can ensure that high quality education remains accessible to the communities we serve," Hickox said.

The grant award comes on the heels of the college's announcement of the Warrior Pledge, a first-year pilot program that covers tuition and other educational expenses for as many as 50 students this fall-from the start of their studies through graduation.

To learn more about WWCC, visit https://wwcc.edu. Fall Quarter classes start September 19.