AC Foundation gratified by $125,000 grant from Amarillo Area Foundation

A grant from the Amarillo Area Foundation (AAF) will go a long way toward helping Amarillo College students stave off food insecurities and keep their focus on academics even if beset by unexpected expenses like when a car breaks down or a utility bill exceeds expectations.

The Amarillo College Foundation is pleased to acknowledge a generous $125,000 grant from the AAF, funds that will be used to support the College’s Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) – particularly its Food Pantry and fulfillment of emergency aid requests.

The ARC is a cornerstone of the College’s No Excuses Poverty Initiative. It administers a robust social services system that helps remove barriers to academic success by offering financial assistance to students faced with emergencies related to food/housing insecurity, transportation, childcare, healthcare, utility payments, and legal services.

AC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Joe Bill Sherrod says the Area Foundation’s gift to the ARC is a game-changer for AC students.

“Their gift means that more students will have greater access to healthier food choices, and, in some instances, will have at least one square meal a day,” Sherrod said. “Additionally, these funds help us address emergency housing and utility needs as well as car repair needs.

“When any college student is able to fully focus on school, they are more likely to finish school. We are truly grateful for the partnership we have with the Amarillo Area Foundation.”

AC’s Culture of Caring prioritizes loving students to success, and since 2015, AC had provided more than $1 million in emergency aid to students. In that same span, the College’s three-year completion rates have tripled – from 19 percent to 60 percent.