Amarillo College is one of 25 schools to have been selected from among more than 160 community college applicants nationwide to receive a 2020 PATH Scholarship from Ellucian.

PATH (Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving and Hope) awards scholarship funds to institutions which use the funds to provide financial support to students experiencing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funds will be administered by the AC Foundation and distributed through AC’s Advocacy and Resource Center (ARC) to students hard-pressed to meet financial obligations related to housing, childcare, utilities and more.

“This scholarship from Ellucian is particularly gratifying during this time of dire need and uncertainty,” AC President Russell Lowery-Hart said. “They undoubtedly recognize, as we do, that educational achievement is more often hindered by economic hardship – by life barriers – than by academic issues.

“This gift will prove impactful for many of our students.”

Ellucian, the leading provider of software and services built to power higher education, has pledged an initial $1 million to the scholarship fund and distributed $500,000 to community and technical colleges across the United States.

“COVID-19 has placed immense pressure on students financially, academically and personally making it even more difficult for some to achieve their educational dreams,” said Laura Ipsen, CEO and President of Ellucian. “As a partner to higher education institutions around the world, we have been humbled to see how the community responded in the wake of COVID and are committed to do our part to help students succeed.”

Ellucian’s education-support program aims to continue its growth with the support of partners to reach a $10 million goal in 2021. For more information or to get involved, visit: www.ellucian.com/path.

-Amarillo College