ECC Foundation Kicks Off Scholarship Campaign

The East Central College Foundation’s annual Friends of the Foundation scholarship campaign is underway.

“While the last two years have brought challenges due to the pandemic, ECC supporters responded in extraordinary ways,” said Bridgette Kelch, Foundation executive director. “Our community is emerging stronger, more resilient, than ever.”

In the 2021-22 academic year, the ECC Foundation allocated a total of $478,150 in scholarships to 293 students. With donor support, the Foundation plans to allocate $485,595 to 330 students in 2022-23.

“Since 2002, the ECC Foundation has been able to award over $2.8 million in scholarships to students in need – thanks to our generous donors,” Kelch said.

The annual Friends of the Foundation scholarship campaign starts in November and typically wraps in late winter.

“Last year, as a thank you to our donors, we created our first-ever Alumni Gala Box. The box was such a hit, we decided to do it again this year,” said Kelch.

The box will contain items created or donated by current ECC students and alumni. Included in the box this year will be one bottle of red wine, donated by Robller Vineyard; chocolates made by ECC culinary students; a stress-relieving coloring book for adults designed by an ECC graduate; notecards featuring an alum’s artwork; and an ornament created by ECC welding students.

“If you feel that ECC played a role in making you, a loved one or your community a success, we ask that you consider making a positive difference in the lives of our students by donating to the annual scholarship appeal,” said Kelch.

People can donate online at www.eastcentral.edu/give or by calling 636-584-6505. Donations of $125 or more will receive the Alumni Gala Box.