Southeastern Community College has been a fixture in southeast Iowa for 100 years. The school is starting its second century with a program designed to help students stay in college.
Val Giannettino, SCC Director of Advancement, said the college has a new fund called The Century Club. She said it’s designed to help students who face financial needs that could prevent them from staying in school. For example, covering the cost of a bus ticket for a student who needs transportation to get to class each day.
"It's amazing how life can get in the way, and things can impact your ability to finish (school)," Giannettino said. "Even the most talented and well-equipped students can run into something that derails their plans."
Giannettino said the college will make a push this month to raise money for The Century Club.
Giannettino said April was chosen as SCC's "giving month" because it's Community College Month.
She said SCC will also feature students and staff members in social media posts throughout April, giving people different ways to support the school each day.
More information on SCC's 30 Ways in 30 Days program is available onlineor on the college's social media.
Back to the Classroom
Giannettino said although the college couldn't hold the open houses and other fundraising events they had originally planned this past year, SCC has largely returned to in-person learning.
"It was pretty clear to us and our leadership that the students wanted face to-face learning," she said. "They were not signing up here to take classes virtually for their time at SCC."
Giannettino said some students just preferred the interaction with other students and instructors that they couldn't get with virtual classes. She praised SCC President Dr. Michael Ash for making that decision. "We come to work every day, the students seem happy. They're doing well," Giannettino said.
She said SCC plans to hold in-person graduation ceremonies in May for both the West Burlington and Keokuk campuses.
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