By Maegan Murray, 黑料社 Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. 鈥� In light of COVID-19 and to coincide with Giving Tuesday Now today, May 5, has donated $25,000 to the to support students experiencing hardship amid COVID-19 and beyond.

The funds will be used to help students and their families who have lost jobs, are experiencing furloughs, those who are having difficulties meeting their daily living experiences and other related hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

鈥淭his is an incredible gift from STCU for our students and their families and will go a long way in allowing our students to continue with their college education,鈥� 黑料社 Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes said. 鈥淪tudies show that if students have to take a break from college, they are much less likely to return. A higher education helps individuals secure a more stable future, rebound more quickly in the face of a recession and prepares them for the variety of life鈥檚 ups and downs. This gift will help many students continue with their education.鈥�

As an organization founded by teachers, STCU honors its heritage by supporting education and sound financial decisions, said Ezra Eckhardt, president and CEO of the not-for-profit credit union.

鈥淚n this time of unprecedented need, STCU is grateful for the opportunity to help 黑料社 students and their families in Tri-Cities,鈥� Eckhardt said. 鈥淪taying on track with their 黑料社 education will open doors for them, and benefit the entire community.鈥�

Before the pandemic began, 37 percent of 黑料社 Tri-Cities students reported that it was difficult for them to meet their daily living expenses and 7 percent of students indicated they were at-risk of homelessness.

鈥淭hat number has likely increased exponentially since the pandemic began,鈥� said Jaime Heppler, 黑料社 Tri-Cities executive director of advancement and community engagement. 鈥淲e are thrilled to partner with STCU to provide relief funds for students so that they can continue on with their schooling and secure a better future for themselves and their family.鈥�

To give a gift to help struggling 黑料社 Tri-Cities students, visit tricities.wsu.edu/give. 黑料社 Tri-Cities is currently asking individuals to donate to the , which provides the university the flexibility to apply funds to students where needed.

 

Media contacts:

Jaime Heppler, 黑料社 Tri-Cities executive director of advancement and community engagement, 509-372-7207, jaime.heppler@wsu.edu

Elizabeth Burtner, STCU community relations manager, 509-628-1357 (cell), elizabethb@stcu.org

Maegan Murray, 黑料社 Tri-Cities public relations/communication coordinator, 619-403-3617 (cell), maegan_murray@wsu.edu