Bunker Hill Community College Helps Students with Remote Learning
Thursday, April 23, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the inequities in our society, especially when it comes to education. BHCC students face significant financial challenges in the best of times and an estimated 20 -25 % do not have the technology – personal computers and internet – to support remote and on-line learning. The College’s shift to complete remote instruction, tutoring and advising during the COVID-19 crisis presented an obstacle to these students’ ability to stay enrolled.
BHCC recently received funding sufficient to purchase up to 800 Chromebooks through the generous support of three foundations. These include the Paul & Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation, the City of Boston GRAD Last Mile Fund, supported by the Frieze Family Foundation, and The BHCC Foundation, Inc.
“BHCC wants to provide our students with the tools and resources they need to stay in school, including technology and basic needs. The gifts from these three foundations will make a big difference to our students’ ability to succeed,” said BHCC President Pam Eddinger.
The Chromebooks, which are on loan to the students, were initially distributed through the College’s DISH (Delivering Information Sustenance and Health) food pantry. A local community partner, SnapChef, stepped in to provide Chromebook deliveries during a temporary disruption in services at the DISH due to the COVID-19 surge.
BHCC students are facing tremendous financial hurdles created by the pandemic, such as job loss and increased family obligations. To help BHCC students during these unprecedented times, the BHCC Foundation has created a COVID-19 Student Relief Fund. This flexible fund enables the College to respond quickly to student needs caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
Learn more about BHCC’s COVID-19 Student Relief Fund.
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About Bunker Hill Community College
With more than 50 years of academic excellence, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is one of Massachusetts' largest community colleges, serving approximately 16,000 students annually. With campuses in Charlestown and Chelsea, BHCC offers a broad range of educational opportunities throughout Greater Boston. BHCC fosters a welcoming and supportive learning environment for students by offering associate degrees and certificates, early college and dual enrollment, community education, corporate training, and industry-specific programs.