The Sprayregen Family Foundation has awarded Miami Dade College Foundation a gift of $100,000 to establish the American Dream Emergency Financial Assistance Program, which will support students who have experienced a personal emergency that has resulted in a financial crisis. The just-in-time emergency fund was awarded as part of MDC’s upcoming giving day I AM MDC Day, Thursday, Sept. 6th.
The goal of the American Dream Emergency Financial Assistance Program is to ensure students are able to complete their MDC degree or certificate program despite financial obstacles that may arise. MDC serves a diverse population, with more than 70 percent of students who work while attending MDC and 65 percent who are from low-income households.
“Our students face many obstacles to completion of their degree or certificate program and they learn to persevere at MDC,” says Mark Cole, vice president of advancement and executive director of Miami Dade College Foundation. “This gift from the Sprayregen Family Foundation will make a difference for deserving students who need it most.”
“The Sprayregen Family Foundation is thrilled be become a partner with Dr. Eduardo Padrón and the great institution of Miami Dade College in creating the American Dream Emergency Financial Assistance Program for students who are already enrolled at MDC and in need of financial assistance. We believe this will assist thousands of students who might otherwise be forced to withdrawal from MDC,” said Gerald Sprayregen, founder of Sprayregen Family Foundation. “We view the accomplishments of Dr. Padrón while at MDC to be unique within the annals of the great institutions of our nation, so the donation of this gift gives us great joy.”
MDC students can qualify for the American Dream Emergency Financial Assistance Program if they show financial need above and beyond the traditional costs associated with attending college. MDC will celebrate 58 years of providing educational opportunity to more than two million students since first opening its doors on Sept. 6, 1960.
For more information, visit www.mdc.edu/iammdc