The coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly exacerbated the economic struggles that our students face on a daily basis. In a rapid response, the Peralta Community College District leadership and faculty converted face-to-face classroom instruction to virtual classes. As a result, students need for stable internet access and reliable computer laptops became prevalent. These everyday items we use daily to perform normal transactions and maintain communication, are unattainable for students who are already struggling to make ends meet.
In light of Governor Gavin Newsom’s mandatory statewide order for Californians to shelter-in-place, many students and their families have experienced reduced job hours, lost the part-time and gig jobs supporting their basic needs.
To answer the call, the Foundation has established the COVID-19 Crisis Impact Fund to help students meet a varied of basic needs. As a component of the Peralta Colleges Foundation’s Emergency Disaster Response initiative, COVID-19 Crisis Impact Fund has been designed to support students facing food and housing insecurities, as well as those in need of critical supplies like laptop computers and internet access during this unforeseen period.
To make an indelible impact, we need your support today. Please consider making a contribution to the COVID-19 Crisis Impact Fund to support the students of Peralta Colleges – Laney College, Merritt College, College of Alameda and Berkeley City College.
We appreciate any amount as all contributions make a world of difference.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at ljones@peralta.edu.
