Pursuing an education isn’t always a smooth, direct path from Point A to Point B. “Education barriers” can appear along the way: sudden job loss, childcare, poverty, lack of access to adequate transportation or technology, and other unforeseen circumstances that can impact a student’s ability to stay in school. This is one of the reasons why scholarships, grants, and emergency funds are so important: they offer a way for students who are struggling to overcome these hurdles some much-needed financial assistance.
The Jo C. Bennett Student Assistance Fund, is an emergency fund offered by Rio Salado College to help students in good standing who may need immediate financial support to prevent situations that may cause them to drop out of college. Eligible students must communicate with the Rio Salado Counseling Department, be currently enrolled and active in a minimum of 3 credit hours, or be taking ABE, and ELAA classes.
The Jo C. Bennett fund was started by a Rio Salado faculty member. Dr. Patricia Case, who was the Faculty Chair of Social Sciences at Rio Salado for 31 years, started the fund in memory of her mother. The recipient of Rio Salado's 2023 Hero of Education award, Dr. Case has long been an advocate for making higher education more accessible to students. For students forced to choose between buying food or paying for their classes, this fund started by Dr. Case provides eligible students some relief to help them pay for commuting costs, diapers, rent, and other urgent expenses.
Here is a recent note from a Rio student who has received the Jo C. Bennett fund:
"Thank you for reaching out to me. I am the first person in my family going to college and I am trying to figure things out. Thank you for staying in touch and giving me information about resources and the Rio Salado student assistance fund. I think it is the most supported I have felt, even through high school."
Are you a student who needs help? The Rio Salado Counseling Department can give you more information about the Rio specific scholarships and funds on offer as well as point you to other resources that could help you clear any barriers that stand between you and your education.
Pay It Forward With EmpowerED
Interested in donating to a good cause? Want to help students in need? Rio Salado College is part of the Maricopa Community Colleges’ EmpowerED initiative, a fund-raising campaign dedicated to raising funds to support scholarships offered by Rio Salado and our sister colleges. EmpowerED donations go toward sustaining these scholarships, ensuring that they will continue to provide support to students who need help overcoming education barriers.
Lace Up Your Running Shoes
Do you like to mix charity with athletics? Keep your spring calendar open for our annual Dash with Splash fun run. Each year Rio Salado College hosts a fun run at Tempe Kiwanis Park to raise money for the Jo C. Bennett fund. The date for the 2026 Dash hasn’t been announced yet, so stay tuned to our socials for future updates.
Article by Austin Brietta