July 19, 2023

Media Contact:
Rachel Evey, foundation executive director, 509-682-6415

The Wenatchee Valley College Foundation received a $1,500 grant from the Wenatchee Rotary Club to support the WVC Bridge program. The new program is designed to help Adult Basic Education (ABE) students without their high school credentials get access to financial aid so that they can transition into higher education programs, including trade programs, two- and four-year degrees. The WVC Bridge program will begin summer quarter 2023.

If a student does not have high school credentials (a diploma or GED), they are not eligible for financial aid support through federal aid (FAFSA) or state aid (WASFA). However, if they complete six college credits, then they can claim Ability to Benefit (ATB), a federal classification that gives them access to financial aid to continue their education.

“These students are in a financial aid desert,” said Rachel Evey, WVC Foundation executive director. “With funding from the Wenatchee Rotary Club to support WVC Bridge, WVC can cover college-related expenses for ABE students to successfully transition into higher education programs.”

Of 564 WVC students enrolled in Adult Basic Education who were surveyed, 52% reported having a family income below the 70% lower-living income standard for Washington, according to ABE faculty Julie Fitch.

Learn more about ABE at WVC at wvc.edu/TransitionalStudies.

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The WVC Foundation was incorporated in 1971. The foundation’s mission is to provide equitable access to education and invest in student success through philanthropy. For information on how to make a gift to the foundation, establish a scholarship or include the WVC Foundation in your estate plans, contact (509) 682-6410. Visit the WVC Foundation website at http://www.wvc.edu/foundation.

Wenatchee Valley College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment and student enrollment. All programs are free from discrimination and harassment against any person because of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a service animal by a person with a disability, age, parental status or families with children, marital status, religion, genetic information, honorably discharged veteran or military status or any other prohibited basis per RCW 49.60.030, 040 and other federal and laws and regulations, or participation in the complaint process.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and Title IX compliance for both the Wenatchee and Omak campuses:

• To report discrimination or harassment: Title IX Coordinator, Wenatchi Hall 2322M, (509) 682-6445, title9@wvc.edu.
• To request disability accommodations: Student Access Coordinator, Wenatchi Hall 2133, (509) 682-6854, TTY/TTD: dial 711, sas@wvc.edu.