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Born in Somalia, Fatumo Hussein's early years were marked by the harsh realities of war. "After my dad died in the war of 1992, my family moved to a refugee camp in Kenya and lived there for 24 years," she said.
In 2015, Fatumo became a Utah resident, setting the stage for a new chapter in her life. Mother to three daughters, she is currently a student at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) and attends school due to a private scholarship.
"Because I am a single mother and a student, my scholarship has allowed me to pursue my educational goals without having to worry about finances," Fatumo said. "I can stand on my own feet because of scholarship support. After I graduate and become a health professional, I will be able to give back to the community by helping those who are in need."
Fatumo is currently on track to be the first in her family to graduate from college. She is well on her way to earning an associate degree at SLCC and plans on transferring to the University of Utah to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Fatumo's experience is representative of many SLCC students. Even with the college's low tuition and fees, a significant number still face difficulties meeting the financial demands of higher education. As Utah's most diverse college, according to data from the Utah System of Higher Education, SLCC recognizes its students come from nearly every background and situation imaginable and provides scholarship offerings that are as varied as its students.
SLCC's scholarships are funded primarily through individual donors and through annual events such as Giving Day, which is taking place today. This year's goal is to raise $500,000 for scholarships and student support programs, including childcare and SLCC's Bruin Food Pantry. A donor can also choose to direct their gift toward the Bruin Student Emergency Fund for students facing financial crises.
"We work with donors to create scholarships and fund programs that meet the various needs of our students and keep college financially accessible," Bob Whittaker, SLCC's executive director of development said. "Many of our students not only require tuition assistance but also help with other expenses to allow them to stay in school and finish their certificate or degree. College completion is essential as graduates become the workforce our local employers need to keep the state competitive, and all Utahns benefit from a robust economy."
Those who donate on Giving Day can make a greater impact as their gifts may be matched by local businesses and organizations. Throughout the day, matching gifts will double the value of every gift up to a certain amount. This deepens the impact of individual gifts and increases the overall funding raised for students.
SLCC's Bruin Basketball teams are also supporting the college's Giving Day. Fans who attend the women's and men's games on February 15 can support the Bruin Food Pantry by purchasing a meal or by giving through their mobile devices via a QR code. The goal is to secure more than 200 gifts that will directly help SLCC students and their families who may experience food insecurity.
If you would like to help someone create a brighter future for themselves or their families while championing Utah's future, check out SLCC's Giving Day page and see where you can make a difference. And if you're considering going to school but are concerned about the cost, log on to slcc.edu and learn more about the options available to you.
