San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) Foundation has been awarded $150,000 that will directly benefit Valley College students who are on their way to finishing their certificates, degrees, or transfer studies at the college. 
The award is the second of its kind from the Jay Pritzker Foundation, which earmarked a total $100 million to donate to the California Community College system over 20 years. SBVC Foundation Interim President Mike Layne said SBVC and other in-state community colleges will use the funds for the Finish Line Scholars Program, an initiative that provides scholarships and assistance to students who are close to finishing their degree, certificate, or transfer studies within two years. 
“Thanks to the generosity of the Jay Pritzker Foundation and the support from the Foundation for California Community Colleges, the SBVC Foundation will be able to disburse nearly $300,000 this year in new scholarships and emergency financial assistance to our students to help them reach the finish line of their education goal,” Layne said. “Due to the numerous hardships and uncertainties created by the COVID-19 pandemic, this type of broad financial support for our students is needed more than ever.” 
The SBVC Foundation estimates it can use the combined funds to issue up to 100 scholarships over the next academic year. Layne said the foundation believes it can generate an additional 200 awards in emergency financial assistance to students in need under the next round of the Emergency Financial Assistance for Students Program. 
Students seeking scholarship funds can file their application between October 2021 and January 2022. Scholarship funds are anticipated to be disbursed in May or June of 2022. The emergency assistance for students program is expected to be made available in late Fall 2021. 
For more information about how to apply for a scholarship or emergency assistance, visit: www.sbvcfoundation.org.