South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Foundation supporters provide funding through scholarships and donations to help ensure students have the financial means required to stay on their paths to a degree or certification. At Commencement, to recognize this support and each student’s commitment, scholarship recipients receive a special enamel graduation pin as a way of saying, “Congratulations! We as a community believe in you and are proud of you for making it across the finish line to graduation.”
SPSCC Students Vary in Age and Backgrounds
The South Puget Sound Community College campus population is made up of students with many of the same experiences and challenges faced by the surrounding community. Some may be older or younger, they may be parents, they may have full-time jobs, or they may be the first in their family to attend college. They have different goals and pathways to follow to get to the careers they seek.
Scholarship recipients cover a full spectrum of experiences. Some are transfer students who plan to attend a four-year college or university. Others are completing certificates and are in professional programs to enhance their skills and advance their careers. With families and other commitments, some students enroll on a part-time basis. “We meet students where they are,” says Director of Development Christine Hoffmann.
Success Story Snapshots of Recent SPSCC Graduates
South Puget Sound Community College has been ranked in the top 10 community college in the U.S. by the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Our community is the beneficiary of many of its outstanding graduates. The following are some of their success stories.
K. Noh is an international student from South Korea. Noh graduated with highest honors for an Associate in Pre-Nursing degree. After transferring to St Martin’s University to complete a nursing degree, he plans to serve the community through healthcare. Noh was a member of the SPSCC Associated Student Body (A.S.B.), managed the College’s Food Pantry, and participated in numerous Student Life activities.
Jazen G. excelled both on and off the court as a student athlete on the Clipper Men’s Basketball team. He recently signed with The Master’s University in California. Jasen demonstrated leadership skills as a student speaker at the Fire Summit. He was also an IGNITE student. Additionally, he served on the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Sports Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, highlighting his commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive athletic environment.
Kychelle B. graduated from SPSCC with High Honors and earned an associate biology degree. She has been an active supporter of a local farmer’s market at the ASHHO Cultural Center and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and other people of color) initiatives. She plans to attend Spelman College in the fall and later pursue her medical education at Howard University.
Jemoi D. is another 2024 Outstanding Student Award recipient who has recently completed an associate in science degree. At SPSCC, he enjoyed playing on the Clipper Men’s Basketball team and worked as an office assistant with the SPSCC Advising, Career & Transfer Center. Jemoi plans to continue his college education and earn his 4-year degree in information technology. He shared, “SPSCC has been one of the best experiences of my life with so much support and help when it comes to my career and education.”
Bryten G. is pursuing her medical education. She shared, “I am incredibly thankful to have received a scholarship. At SPSCC I plan to get my pre-nursing degree, and after receiving my Associate’s I will be transferring to a 4-year university to earn my nursing degree. I look forward to working as a registered nurse because I love helping others. Through my past experience working as a student-aid athletic trainer, I found a love and passion for the medical field. Thanks again for this opportunity!”
Donate to Support South Puget Sound Community College Foundation Scholarships
In 2023, donor contributions made it possible for the South Puget Sound Community College Foundation to support students with over $1 Million in scholarships and grants. Scholarships were awarded to 730 students, and grants were received by 1,147. In the same year, nine new Foundation scholarships were created to help students.
Christine Hoffmann commented, “Every dollar makes a significant difference to the students who are working toward their career aspirations, in turn this benefits their families and in turn, our community.”
To help students at SPSCC, you can contribute to existing Foundation scholarships or start your own scholarship. Some supporters start scholarships independently or in partnership with a service club, affinity group, or a group of friends.
The creation of the Gladys Burns Hope and Opportunity Memorial Endowed Scholarship is an example of community members coming together to help students build a future. The scholarship honors the legacy of community activist, Gladys Burns. With seed money of $3,000 donated by Gladys at the end of her life, the Thurston County League of Women Voters rallied to raise enough funds to endow a $1,000 annual scholarship in perpetuity.
Recently, the OJ and Mary Christine Harvey Education Foundation gifted the college with an historic $1.8 Million for student scholarships. This creates a long-term impact for the future of many. With a gift of $25,000 or more, the college can set up an endowment that is designed by the donor and managed by the Foundation.
If you would like to make a positive impact on an SPSCC student and your community, you can donate online. To learn more, contact the Foundation office at 360-596-5430 or foundation@spscc.edu to start a conversation with a gift officer.
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