ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Bay College is celebrating the impact of scholarships on students’ lives.
Through the generosity of community members and organizations, the Bay College Foundation provides financial support for students in need. Since 1972, the nonprofit has grown to nearly $19.8 million in assets.
On Friday, Bay College hosted its annual Building Tomorrow Together event. Several students shared stories about how Bay College Foundation scholarships are helping them to achieve their goals.
“I was awarded the Board of Trustees full ride scholarship for two years at Bay College,” said student Matthew Keast. “Immediately, it felt like the weight of the world was off my shoulders… I was given exactly what I was praying for—more time to figure out my future and more time to spend with my family while I adjusted to college. I have been given ample time to explore different career interests while taking care of my general education requirements before I transfer to a university. I have been able to work hard in my classes without worrying about whether I could afford them.”
“Going back to college at 29 was not easy,” said student Kimberly Spigarelli. “… At some point, I need to sleep and study outside of class and be a parent. That time is not free. Financial aid has been the absolute foundation of my success. I know what it is like to leave college because you cannot afford to continue. I experienced that the first time I went to school. This time, financial aid gave me the opportunity to stay in my program and focus on becoming a nurse while still supporting my son.”
Last year, the Bay College Foundation awarded more than $800,000 in student scholarships. To learn more about the foundation or to get involved, click here.
