Sep 16, 2014

A total of 91 students are closer to pursuing their dreams thanks to College of the Mainland Foundation scholarships, awarded this fall. Funded by individuals, businesses and nonprofits, the scholarships give full-time and part-time students the chance to pursue an education.

“It’s much appreciated,” said Monica Rose, recipient of the COM Triathlon Scholarship. “I’ve been through so much. (COM Foundation administrative assistant) Tammy Stafford took me under her wing and helped me get a scholarship. I feel so blessed that someone cared. (Without it) I would not be able to reach my dream … to work in the health care field.”
 
Scholarships were awarded to students based on need, academic success, personal interests and volunteer activities.
 
“Without this scholarship, I wouldn’t be able to come here,” said Joe Rodriguez, of Texas City, who plans to earn an Associate of Arts in education.
 
The foundation aims to increase the number of scholarships it awards each year.
 
“COM Foundation’s priority is to eliminate financial barriers that keep students from reaching their educational goals,” said COM Foundation director and Vice President for Institutional Advancement Mary Ann Amelang. “Scholarships are funded by the interest from the foundation’s $2 million endowment, proceeds from the foundation’s annual scholarship gala and generous donations from individuals and companies.”
 
Established in 1972, COM Foundation is a nonprofit organization providing funding for student and college needs. The mission of the COM Foundation is to support and encourage educational excellence through College of the Mainland.
 
For more information about the COM Foundation, call 409-933-8508.