In 1963, the average annual tuition at a four-year public college was about $2,500 in today’s dollars. Today, the average cost has soared to $38,000 per year, making college unaffordable for many. While a college degree has the potential to more than double a worker’s lifetime income, this opportunity is only available to those who can afford it. 

At United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, we recognize the importance of supporting students in their educational journey. In 2021, with initial funding from the Heinz Endowments, United Way launched the College Emergency Financial Assistance (CEFA) program. This initiative supports students, particularly first-generation, by easing some of the financial burdens and making it easier to enroll in and complete college courses. Our partners include the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Slippery Rock University, Duquesne University, Carlow University, Butler County Community College, Penn State Fayette, Westmoreland County Community College and Allegheny Health Network School of Nursing. 

Since CCAC joined the coalition in February 2024, 25 students have been funded in the first two quarters, with rent and utilities being the most common needs, making CCAC one of the most active CEFA coalition members. Damon Bethea, manager of Building for Success in School and Life, spoke with Dr. Mary Utter, dean of Student Advocacy at the Community College of Allegheny County, to discuss how the College Emergency Financial Assistance program has benefited her students. 

Can you share how CCAC is helping its students through the College Emergency Financial Assistance program? Who benefits from this program, and why is it so important? 

CCAC is an institution with a diverse population of students who come from many backgrounds and experiences. About 30–40% of CCAC students report experiencing some basic need insecurity while they are enrolled (food, housing, transportation, etc.). For students to be successful in achieving their academic goals, programs like CEFA are critical. Just one unexpected expense, such as a car repair, medical bill or high utility bill, can impact a student’s ability to remain enrolled. Many students experience financial hardships during their enrollment because they are trying to both work and go to school as well as take care of their families. Reducing or missing work hours in order to attend classes can be an additional financial strain on them and their families.   

CCAC has become a gateway to affordable postsecondary education, especially for first-generation and under-resourced students. What are the key elements of CCAC’s support system, and how has it evolved over time? 

One of the critical elements of CCAC’s approach is the way we work with students from start to finish. We have dedicated staff who help students in a holistic way, not just providing resources but also guiding students on how to use those resources. This enables us to build strong frameworks and partnerships. Our staff is trained in a social work model, which means they do not just connect students to resources like emergency funds, bus passes or child care, but they help students to become more resourceful. We focus on both short-term needs, like getting through the semester, and long-term goals, like completing a degree and advancing to the next job or career step. 

What are the most significant needs among your students? 

The overarching umbrella in terms of need is financial. Often, our students are just one issue away from having to stop their education. An unexpected life event, like losing a job or having to reduce work hours, loss of transportation or a disruption in child care, can be enough to force one to make a choice of whether they can continue with school.   

What are the benefits of partnering with United Way on the CEFA program, both for your college and your students? 

CEFA has been a great collaboration, providing much-needed funds to help students stay in school. While CCAC has its own emergency fund, it’s limited, and CEFA helps ease students’ financial burdens. Our partnership with United Way has been fantastic! We meet monthly to review the program, track student progress and address any paperwork or issues to keep things moving smoothly.