The Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) Foundation has been awarded a $560,000 grant from United Way of Monterey County to help MPC students adversely impacted by the pandemic with rent and utilities assistance.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with United Way,” comments MPC Foundation Executive Director and MPC Vice President of Advancement, Beccie Michael. “This grant will allow us to provide substantial financial assistance to students experiencing housing instability, which is critical to helping them earn their degrees and ultimately become self-sufficient.”

In addition to the direct financial assistance that qualifying students will receive, the grant will connect MPC with the United Way’s Smart Referral Network, allowing the College to make and receive referrals with other partner agencies.

Katy Castagna, President and CEO of United Way for Monterey County, adds, “We know many MPC students struggle with their housing costs and are thrilled to partner with the MPC Foundation in providing significant financial support.  This will not only alleviate debt and prevent homelessness, but will also support educational attainment and a permanent path to financial stability.”

Qualifying criteria for the Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance Program (ERAP) include:

• Resident of Monterey County;
• At or below 80% Area Median Income for Monterey County (for example, $77,500 for a household of four);
• Adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the MPC campus is currently not open to the public, the Foundation will begin offering ERAP grants immediately, with the entire process being facilitated online. With the involvement of Student Financial Services, those students who have already applied for financial aid at MPC this academic year will not need to resubmit income documentation, thereby streamlining the process in an effort to get students the help they need as quickly as possible.

“Our Board is committed to helping MPC students who are experiencing housing and food instability,” states Yuri Anderson, MPC Board Chair. “We’re proud of our Foundation for taking initiative with this incredible opportunity to leverage resources and partnerships to address this crucial issue.”

MPC Foundation - established in 1994
Monterey Peninsula College Foundation advances the educational experience of students, faculty, and staff of the Monterey Peninsula College by raising funds for student scholarships, instructional and library materials, professional development for faculty and staff, facilities improvements and academic programs. The Foundation is committed to the concept that education is the means by which people may reach their full potential. To learn more about the MPC Foundation, please visit www.mpcfoundation.org and follow us on Facebook.

Monterey Peninsula College - established in 1947
Monterey Peninsula College, part of California's public community college system, is an open-access institution, committed to fostering student learning and success by providing excellence in instructional programs, facilities, and services to support the goals of students pursuing transfer, career, basic skills, and lifelong learning opportunities. In addition to the scenic Monterey campus located on 90+ acres, MPC's district includes two excellent facilities in the former Fort Ord, to serve the residents in north Monterey County. As a comprehensive community college, MPC responds to the educational and cultural needs of its diverse community, distinguished for its outstanding academic programs and strong commitment to student success. To learn more about Monterey Peninsula College, please visit www.mpc.edu and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.