34-year-old John* is an ACC student majoring in Licensed Vocational Nursing. His goals were almost put on hold this year when John’s employer cut his work hours, causing him to lose health insurance. Suddenly John, undergoing treatment for a health condition, was forced to pay out-of-pocket for pricey medication. With a significant amount of money funneled toward those prescriptions, John would have been unable to continue his studies in ACC’s nursing program – at the time his coursework was almost complete.

But John’s misfortune didn’t derail his education.

That’s because he received assistance from ACC’s Student Emergency Fund, which helps students stay in school when faced with unexpected financial hardships. The program got a major boost from ACC’s fourth annual Golf Scramble on August 7. More than 100 people teed off at Riverside Golf Course to raise money for the fund, which has provided more than $15,000 to 16 students so far this year.

Cards placed in every golf cart told the stories of students who have benefited from the fund, enabling players to understand exactly how their entry fees are utilized. Besides John, 2009 recipients include a 59-year-old mother in ACC’s Child Development program whose son was diagnosed with cancer. Caring for him forced her to cut back on work, and with a decreased income, she would not have been able to complete her education. The fund benefited a 37-year-old Occupational Therapy Assistant major as well. She had to undergo emergency medical treatment during the spring semester – treatment not covered by insurance. The Emergency Fund also provided assistance to a 41-year-old student whose wife got laid off. Paying tuition would have left the couple unable to cover utility bills.

Through the fund, all of these students were able to continue their coursework at ACC. And thanks to the 2009 Golf Scramble, sponsored by SpawGlass Contractors, even more help will be available. This year’s event was the most successful to date, raising more than $25,000 for the fund.

The fund has benefited 39 students in the last ten years, relying solely on donations until ACC held its first golf scramble in 2006.

For more information on the fund and to obtain an application for assistance, visit http://www.austincc.edu/support/financialaid/emergencyfund.php.

*Name has been changed.