Greenfield Community College has created a new program that will open its doors to the community even wider. The new Community Access Scholarship Fund will provide funding and work-study opportunities for people who might otherwise not be able to attend.

"This scholarship fund has been established to reach out to those within the community who have not seen themselves as college-bound," said GCC President Robert Pura. "Too many in our community leave high school with a degree and begin to settle for less than their dreams. Too many people of all ages in our community live without hope or aspiration. Far too many tell themselves that they do not belong; they fear that they cannot succeed. This program is created to contradict those messages with others that shout out "you do belong, you can succeed."

This scholarship fund was made possible by a significant and generous multi-year commitment from an anonymous donor from the community. It was established to help the college work with the public schools, businesses, religious organizations and human service organizations in the community so together they can connect with potential students and convince them that they can succeed in college and improve their lives with education.

Through the program, students will also have the opportunity to get an on-campus job within the program of study they enter.

"This gift and this program speak to the understanding that this community has about the importance of education," Pura said. "Our community, in spite of our challenges, is beginning to be defined by its commitment to access as well as excellence in education."

Allen Davis, executive director of the GCC Foundation, said this gift and the new program it created comes at a wonderful time for GCC, which will have its 45th anniversary starting this fall with the theme "Celebrating 45 Years of Excellence."

"It's a fabulous gift. It's the largest gift we've ever received," Davis said. "Creating access and opportunity for anyone who wants to come to GCC — that's tremendous because that's what GCC is all about."

He commended the donors for their generosity and said he hopes they serve as an example for others.

"Hopefully this wonderful act of philanthropy will inspire others in the community to make even larger gifts," he said.

Anyone who wants to find out more about this new program can call Linda Dejardins, co-director of the Financial Aid office, at 775-1105.