Glendale Community College supports students’ academic dreams by providing access to hundreds of courses and state-of-the-art facilities. However, student needs extend far beyond the classroom, which is why GCC focuses energy and resources on providing a long list of student support services.
One such area is the Student Emergency Fund, which is 100% supported through donations. Financial support, including a recent donation by the Salt River Project Agua Fria Generating Station, guarantees that GCC will be able to assist students who are in dire need.
The emergency assistance fund helps students overcome unexpected financial barriers. Without this vital lifeline, many students would be forced to withdraw from college, forgo their academic dreams, and put their future on hold.
“College was not financially possible for my family on our own, but your support is helping me break a cycle of financial struggle and stay enrolled. Because of you, I am paving the way toward a better future for my family and the community I hope to serve,” stated a recent GCC graduate who received emergency funds.
In the previous academic year, over 300 students received emergency assistance through this donor-funded program. This impacts not only the student but their families and dependents. GCC distributes approximately $50,000 annually to students in need; to pay rent, buy food, have basic transportation, or cover emergency medical expenses.
Because of this generous program, more students can remain enrolled, as evidenced by student outcomes. In the previous academic year, 164 students (92%) successfully completed the Fall 2025 semester—more than 16 percentage points higher than the overall GCC student population - 150 students (82%) enrolled in Spring 2026—more than 11 percentage points higher than the college average. Even more gratifying is the fact that five students graduated.
"We believe in investing in GCC students by helping provide opportunities for education, growth, and lifelong success— ultimately strengthening our entire community. Supporting the Student Emergency Fund helps meet students’ basic needs, which allows them to stay focused on their education and achieve their goals," said Jenifer Grimes, SRP Agua Fria Generating Station Director.
This success and financial security are due to the generous contributions by Agua Fria, as well as numerous companies and individuals. And because the Student Emergency Fund is 100% dependent on donors, their generosity is making a huge impact on students’ lives.
In addition to GCC’s direct support from the Agua Fria Generating Station, Salt River Project also contributes to the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, which provides emergency funding assistance to students across all ten Maricopa Community Colleges.