Even with SLCC's low tuition and fees, many students require financial support to attend and not everyone is eligible for federal aid. SLCC keeps college financially accessible by offering a wide range of scholarships for nearly every type of student.
Student Scholarships
A scholarship at SLCC not only helps increase the likelihood a student will graduate, but it also says to that student that someone believes in them and their goals.
Gabrielle "Gabby" Grant
Gabrielle “Gabby” Grant first attended SLCC soon after graduating from high school. “I was excited to be at SLCC, but I was so busy because I was also working full-time and felt I didn’t have enough time to study,” she said. “I stopped attending school to focus on life, work, and to find where I really wanted to go from that point. In 2018, I helped start a company and was busy focusing on its growth – then COVID happened which drastically impacted my business, so I was back to square one.”
Gabby returned to SLCC with renewed focus. “After my company took a turn, I decided to look into career paths that would fit the lifestyle I’d like to have,” she said. “I began looking into the daily duties of a dental hygienist and found that was the career I could see myself in. Since then, I have wanted to work in the dental field.”
“I want to thank the C. Scott & Dorothy E. Watkins Charitable Foundation for giving me this scholarship opportunity – it has not only helped relieve the financial burden of paying for school, but it gave me the confidence in myself to follow my dreams,” said Gabby.
Amina Abdoulah Abdoulahi
Amina Abdoulah Abdoulahi was born in the Central African Republic. When civil war broke out in her country, she became a refugee and relocated to the Republic of Chad. After five years she moved to the U.S. and set up her new home in Utah.
“I came to the U.S. as a refugee and have lived in Utah since 2019,” said Amina. “My family is still in the Central African Republic, but I am doing what I can to help them out by working a full-time job while going to school.”
Eager to learn English and overcome the language barrier, Amina looked to SLCC for help. “Learning English is very important to me,” said Amina. “That is what brought me to SLCC, their ESL classes and the flexibility to go to school when I’m not working.”
Amina was awarded the Mastering ESL Scholarship due to her hard work and determination. “I am so thankful to have been awarded the Mastering ESL Scholarship – it has given me the opportunity to improve my language skills and overcome obstacles!” said Amina. “This scholarship challenges me and pushes me forward.”
After graduation, Amina is looking forward to helping her community through social work. “Going to college isn’t easy, but SLCC has the faculty and resources to help everybody reach their goals,” said Amina. “I am grateful to those who continue to believe in me, and I’m looking forward to giving back and helping others, like me, reach their dream.”
Partnership for accessing college education (PACE)
PACE is designed to promote high school graduation and college participation among economically disadvantaged or first-generation students. High schoolers who complete PACE receive a full two-year scholarship to SLCC and extra support through mentoring and enhanced advising.
Celia Olvera
Driven by the desire for more opportunity, Celia Olvera moved from Mexico to Utah at age 18. “Growing up, I didn’t receive much education. I completed elementary school, and then I had to work to support my family.
This experience made getting an education critically important to Olvera, her husband, and three daughters.
When her daughter was accepted into PACE, the program made a tremendous impact on the entire family. “It lifted all of us up,” said Olvera. “Her younger sisters saw how valuable the opportunity was, and it showed them that they, too, could accomplish anything they wanted.”
“I am thankful for those who have donated to PACE because they have not only given my daughters the chance to receive higher education, but they have changed our entire family for many generations.”
Jasmin Topete
Jasmin Topete's parents struggled to make ends meet, so she didn't think she would be able to go to college. "My parents did everything they could for me, but I knew that I would be on own after high school."
That changed when she learned about SLCC's PACE program. As a West High School student, she enrolled in PACE, which helped her stay motivated. After high school, she enrolled at the college and majored in Social Work. She has since graduated from SLCC as well as the University of Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in 2021. Jasmin's strong work ethic drove her academic success, and she credits PACE with providing the tools to help her progress. "It has really helped me achieve my dreams," she said.
Endowed Scholarships
Donors wishing to make larger gifts have the option to endow a scholarship in the department or program of their choice. Gifts are invested and the returns are used to help students pay for their education or training.
Antonio Ruiz
Born in Morelia, Mexico, Antonio Ruiz immigrated to the state of Utah when he was only three months old. “Utah has been my home since I can remember,” said Antonio. “But my birthplace is Mexico – I am an immigrant.”
At Salt Lake Community College, Antonio was awarded the Jerry Taylor Endowed Scholarship due to his hard work and dedication. “As a first-generation student, receiving this scholarship gave me the confidence and drive to pursue my education and career goals,” said Antonio. “It’s liberating to know I have financial help in paying for my education. I can’t express enough how grateful I am for receiving this scholarship and being seen for my potential.”
While working toward his educational goals, Antonio accomplished another impressive life goal. “I am happy to announce that I have received my U.S. Citizenship! Even though I have lived in the U.S. most of my life, I can now proudly say I am an official citizen.”
Antonio is earning an associate’s degree in pre-engineering. After graduating from SLCC, he is looking forward to earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from a four-year university.
“I want to let those who support students like me to know that their support truly gives upward mobility to first-generation students like me and lets them know that someone believes in them enough to invest in their future,” said Antonio.
Kristy Ashby
Kristy Ashby took a 17-year break from college to raise her children. Her son was diagnosed with a chronic illness at age nine, and during his treatment she met several amazing medical professionals.
Seeing these doctors and nurses in action inspired Kristy to go back to school, but the cost proved to be an obstacle. Fortunately, she was able to take advantage of a scholarship that allowed her to earn an associate's degree through SLCC's Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
After leaving SLCC, Kristy has dedicated herself to giving back to the community. She is currently making a difference in the lives of others as a certified occupational therapist assistant in the Alpine School District.
