Foundation Scholarships Change Lives

Scholarship recipient poses with her award certificate.
Rebecca A. Eckland

Two years ago, Denise Kreeck was diagnosed with dyslexia. After receiving the diagnosis, her vision for the future changed drastically. “I didn’t think I could succeed in higher education,” she said. Despite her diagnosis, however, Kreeck came to TMCC in 2017 to begin her career path in social work.

“I could only afford to take two classes each semester, and graduation seemed so far away,” she said. Yet, Kreek persisted. She utilized the support and services provided by the Disability Resource Center, which helped her to maintain a strong GPA. “I have loved each of my classes even though they were difficult,” she said. 

Then, Kreeck applied for a TMCC Foundation Scholarship and received an AT&T Nevada Scholarship. The additional financial support was a game-changer. “When I was notified about the scholarship, I sat down to reconfigure when I would graduate…. I’m thrilled to say that I will graduate a semester early and then move on to UNR to continue my education to be a social worker.” 

TMCC Foundation Scholarships Change Lives

Every year, TMCC awards hundreds of scholarships to students who are in financial need or who demonstrate academic achievement. These scholarships are funded by private donors who believe in the mission of the college and are invested in student success. The application window for the TMCC Foundation Scholarship opened Jan. 1, and applications will continue to be accepted through March 1. 

If you’re a TMCC student with at least a 2.0 GPA and you’re enrolled in at least six credits each semester, you’re eligible to submit a scholarship application. Some scholarships have specific requirements, which can include an increased number of credits per semester (9 or more), a higher GPA or other criteria established by the scholarship donor. 

Students who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply—the result could be life-changing. “Making the choice to be a full-time student, part-time employee and full-time mother of two little girls...has brought challenges on my family,” said TMCC student Shanna Miknus, who received a Foundation Scholarship. “This scholarship will definitely help me obtain my goal of accomplishing a debt-free education.”

Apply, Apply, Apply

While there are a large number of scholarships available for students—nearly $800,000 of scholarship funds are waiting to be disbursed—the type of scholarship and the award amount varies. So too does the type of student who can apply for the award.

Whether you’re a student-athlete, a non-traditional student, a Nevada Promise Scholar, a Success First student or a foster or homeless youth, if you have a 2.0 GPA and are taking at least six credits from TMCC, you’re eligible to apply for the TMCC Foundation scholarship. 

Jeremy Smith, who received a scholarship from the Bender Family Endowment that helped to fund his pursuit of a Bachelor of Applied Science in Logistics, said that the scholarship has inspired him to not only complete his degree, but to give back to others in need. “The feeling of someone believing in what I am trying to accomplish and giving generously to help me reach my goals is a critical part of doing my very best,” he said. “I am very grateful that there are people in the community that see how they can affect the lives of students, and choose to give generously.  It is an inspiration for me and other students, and is something I hope to do one day myself.” 

For more information about TMCC Foundation Scholarships, contact our Scholarship Manager at 775-673-7127.