LAVC Foundation emergency stipend unable to meet financial need

While the Valley College Foundation was able to raise thousands of dollars in donations to fund its stipend, it will only be enough to help a relatively select few.

By Gabriel Arizon, Editor-in-Chief

The LAVC Foundation is preparing to send emergency stipends to students financially impacted by COVID-19, although the total funds will not be able to meet the overwhelming demand.

To date, the Foundation has been able to raise $33,000 in donations to fund their emergency stipend — more than double the amount previously reported by the Star. The donations came from numerous individuals including Valley College employees, alumni and “other friends,” according to Raul Castillo, the Foundation executive director. In total, the Foundation received approximately 2,000 applications for the stipend. However, only 138 of those requests were selected to receive funds (6.9 percent of the total number of applicants).

“Unfortunately, the funds raised will not be able to satisfy the request for support,” Castillo said. “However, we will continue to raise funds after we distribute the $33,000 to 138 students.”

According to Castillo, the applications were reviewed by a committee who evaluated and ranked them based on the immediate needs. Though he stated that it was a difficult task for the committee, Castillo said it “made the best possible selection given the circumstances.” Each of the applicants selected will receive $250. The Foundation will notify all the stipend applicants by the end of today if they received one.

The Foundation is still accepting donations for the fund. To donate, go to the Foundation website and enter the amount in the designated box.

The Foundation is also still accepting scholarship applications until next Thursday, April 30. To apply, click on the scholarships tab on the Foundation website.