By Jamil Oakford/editor-in-chief

The TCC Foundation just opened its scholarship application for the 2016-2017 academic year.

With many different scholarships available, sometimes for specific degree programs, the TCC Foundation helps students finance their tuition.

“This scholarship means to me that my dreams are a step closer to becoming true,” South student Daniela Garcia said.

Nursing student Kimberly Navejar said getting her scholarship was like a vote of confidence for her.

“I’m a single mom and when I decided to go back to school, I didn’t know how I was going to do it,” she said. “This scholarship meant that someone believed in me and that I could do it.”

Students don’t need to fill out a paper form.

“It’s all online,” said Joe McIntosh, executive director of development at the TCC Foundation.

Students can apply for multiple scholarships through a single application. Some scholarships ask more of students.

“There are a few scholarships that are special,” McIntosh said. “Some require students to do more than just fill out the application.”

A list of open scholarships is also available online. The foundation gathers money for student scholarships from various fundraisers. Senior donor relations officer Liz Sisk emphasized the most recent effort, the Employees Care Campaign.

According to Sisk, the foundation raised well over $100,000 for student scholarships, surpassing its goal and setting a record.

“I’ve been working with TCC employees for years and years,” she said. “I continue to be amazed by the generosity of the employees. It’s a good feeling.”

Because of the support, students like Garcia and Navejar are looking at their future with hope.

“I made a right decision to go to this school,” Navejar said. “I moved here and didn’t know what I would do. And now they’re helping me better myself.”