Educational foundation delivers MAP promise to Oakton students

The Oakton Community College Educational Foundation is making sure students in financial need are covered for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants this year by setting aside $225,000 in grants for students dependent on MAP to be able to afford their college education.

"These are among our most financially vulnerable students, and covering MAP funding for them allows the students to continue their education," said Oakton President Joianne Smith.

"Oakton is focused on persistence, and I am grateful for the foundation's commitment to our students during this time of austerity in the state."

According to Oakton Manager of Student Financial Assistance Jamie Peterson, the foundation grant helped 141 MAP-eligible students enrolled at Oakton. These students can expect to receive the full allocation of their MAP grant for fall and spring semesters through foundation grants based on their continued eligibility for financial aid.

"This is an obvious need," said Oakton Educational Foundation Board President Howard Singer. "Foundation board members are committed to honoring the mission of Oakton, and, most importantly, the students."

Peterson said 29 students also received an Oakton Foundation Retention Grant.

"It is important to communicate with our students that both Oakton and the foundation are committed to their success," Oakton Executive Director of Development Mary Knight added.

The Oakton Educational Foundation typically makes available $600,000 in student scholarships and $200,000 in grants for college programs each year. For the 2016-2017 academic year, the funds provided from the foundation for MAP grants, student scholarships, and program grants will exceed $1 million.