Mohawk College Foundation appeals to the community to help raise $110,000 for student assistance

In response to the growing financial pressures facing its students, the Mohawk College Foundation has announced an ambitious new matching-gift campaign with a goal to raise $110,000 for student supports at the college.

Increasing housing, grocery and travel expenses have forced more and more students into a position of financial insecurity as they try to pursue their college education. Recent data indicates that 45% of Mohawk College students say they need financial assistance in order to continue their studies.

“Mohawk College students are facing many serious challenges at this point in history as they pursue their education. We are committed to supporting them, in and out of the classroom, as they work toward their graduation and promising careers in the workforce,” said Ron J. McKerlie, President and CEO of Mohawk College, and President of the Mohawk College Foundation. “I am proud that 100% of our college and foundation leaders have committed to supporting students through this appeal. Our college employees are unified in our support of student success.”

In response to this growing need, leaders from Mohawk College and the Mohawk College Foundation have collectively pledged $55,000 for student support. On Giving Tuesday, they are appealing to college employees and the greater community to match that amount in an effort to raise $110,000 to support college students in need.

“For too many of our students, tuition, rent, food, child care, part-time work, transportation, and mental health challenges are impacting their studies and causing them to question their ability to continue their education,” said Lorna Somers, Executive Director of Mohawk College Foundation and one of the matching donors. “The college leadership has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping students. Now, through this appeal, we are asking the Hamilton community to join us.

"Together, we can help students stay in school and reduce the stress around the costs of tuition, books, rent and food so they can focus on their academic goals.”

Mohawk College Foundation held a successful Giving Tuesday appeal in 2021, focussed on student food insecurity, with a generous leadership donation from the Steeves family, Glen, Heather and Drew Steeves. The Steeves family has increased their leadership donation this year.

“We were inspired by the success of last year’s campaign but we recognize that the challenges facing Mohawk College students continue to intensify in this economic environment,” said Drew Steeves, who is an Owner/Operator of McDonald’s restaurants. “Our family is grateful to be able to help students in a significant way again this year, with the added support of college leaders. We encourage the Hamilton community to join us in this effort to support students in need.”

Through this matching-gift appeal, donors can support students through the Transformation through Education Gift Catalogue. The online catalogue allows donors to provide students with funds for: college essentials (textbooks, tools, technology, etc.); housing expenses (rent relief, utilities, etc.); child support; nutrition; and more.

Each gift made on November 29 will be matched, up to $55,000, resulting in a $110,000 fund to support Mohawk College students.

Challenges facing students

• Almost 3 in 4 students said they were slightly worried (18%), worried (22%), or strongly worried (34%) about their finances. (1)
• Hamilton rental prices have increased 13.3% (1-bedroom) to 15.6% (2-bedroom) in one year (2)
• Food prices rose 10.1% year-over-year in Canada (3)
• Recent studies suggest more than 40% of post-secondary students say stress has affected their academic performance. Around 16% have seriously considered suicide. (4)
• 33% of Mohawk College students are the first in their families to earn a postsecondary education, breaking through generational barriers