ELLISVILLE – Jones College students effected by COVID-19 may be eligible for assistance thanks to a grant the Mississippi Community College Foundation received from the Woodward Hines Education Foundation. Qualifying students impacted during the pandemic may receive funds to help them stay on track towards graduation.
“These are difficult times for students who are trying to adjust to the many personal and educational challenges brought on by COVID-19,” said Dr. Ronnie Nettles, Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Foundation. “We are delighted to partner with the Woodward Hines Education Foundation to help these students.”
Jim McHale, WHEF President and CEO added, many of Mississippi’s college 
students are already vulnerable to unexpected financial hurdles.
“We viewed this as an emergent opportunity to provide immediate financial support to Mississippi’s two-year college students impacted by COVID-19, so they would not be forced to put their education on hold for financial reasons.”
The grant has established student relief funds at all 15 Mississippi community colleges. Money can be used to help students with the costs associated with in-home internet access, fuel cards, credential fee stipends, to establish campus tablet or computer loan programs, or other costs that may be a barrier to college completion.
Jones College and each of the state’s 14 community colleges, received $20,000 each to help students in need. The grant money will be disbursed until the funds are depleted said, Charlie Garretson, Jones College VP of Advancement. He is especially excited to be able to help students who are also affected by the EF4 Tornadoes on Easter Sunday.
“This is a first come-first-serve-grant opportunity for Jones College students to receive financial assistance to help with college expenses,” said Garretson. “Applying for assistance on our JC webpage takes a few minutes with qualifying students receiving up to $500 for qualifying expenses.”
Dr. Andrea Mayfield, Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board praised the commitment to Mississippi’s community college students by the Woodward Hines Education Foundation. Over the years, the WHEF has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to financially support the state’s two-year college institutions.
“COVID-19 has impacted the lives of our students and their families in so many ways. This grant will help ease the stress so students can continue to focus on their education. I am grateful to Woodward Hinds Education Foundation for their support,” said Mayfield.
Jones College students are encouraged to apply for the Woodward Hines Education Foundation grant as soon as possible, using this link: https://www.jcjc.edu/alumni_foundation/relief.php
About Woodward Hines Education Foundation: The Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF) is committed to helping more Mississippians obtain post-secondary credentials, college certifications, and degrees that lead to meaningful employment. Since its inception, WHEF has worked to increase college access and entry for young people in Mississippi and has expanded that work to support promising practices that lead to college persistence and completion. For more information, contact Communications and Impact Director Courtney Lange at mailto:clange@woodwardhines.org.
About the Mississippi Community College Foundation: Founded in 1986, the Mississippi Community College Foundation (MCCF) is committed to the advancement of the individual and collective missions of the fifteen Mississippi community and junior colleges and the Mississippi Community College Board. It strives to enhance the educational opportunities for the citizens of the State of Mississippi. To accomplish these goals, the MCCF seeks financial support to improve the colleges and better serve their students. For more information about the MCCF, visit https://mccfms.org. To learn more about the Mississippi Community College Board, visit https://www.mccb.edu.