LAPTOP DISTRIBUTION
FRONT GATE COVID TESTING
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
THEATER CLASS
Gavilan College quickly adapted to meet student needs during the pandemic . Over a two-day period in March , 600 sections of instruction were converted to an online format . Since then , we have been working to stay connected with our students and support them to stay in college and succeed . It isn ’ t easy . Many students lost jobs , struggled with new technology , and are now having to supervise at-home schooling for their own children .
Summer 2020 classes were all online . Only those classes with a critical need for in-person instruction , including Aviation Technology , HVAC , Cosmetology , and some nursing and science labs , met face to face . This will continue for spring 2021 .
In addition , the Gavilan College Education Foundation established a Student Emergency Fund , beginning with $ 20,000 and raising an additional $ 26,000 from the community . The college also distributed more than $ 1.4 million in CARES Act funds to students . We supported their online learning through a laptop lending and wi-fi hotspot lending program . With many students struggling just to get by , we partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank to hold held drive-in food distribution events twice per month . Gavilan College also became one of just seven schools in the state to pilot a Homeless and Housing Insecure Program for students without a place to live .
Our staff worked harder than ever before to support students , reaching out to touch base with every enrolled student . Our new online Welcome Center offers registration assistance , financial aid , and other resources to help students solve problems . As the pandemic continues , community support is still needed : Donate to the Student Emergency Fund Sponsor a laptop or a hotspot For details on how to give , email jbchargin @ gavilan . edu , or go to www . gavilan . edu / foundation .
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN WINTER 2021 gmhtoday . com
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