Winsted – Northwestern Connecticut Community College has received a generous donation of $6,000 from Northwest Community Bank to help fund the Northwestern Student Emergency Fund (NSEF).

“We understand the financial challenges faced by so many students as a result of the pandemic and hope these funds will serve to support them in continuation of their educational goals,” said Stephen Reilly, Northwest Community Bank President and CEO.

The NSEF was established in 2016 by Northwestern president, Dr. Michael Rooke, to provide short-term financial support for students who have an unexpected and immediate financial need. The fund is supported with Northwestern Foundation funding, grant funding, and private donations.

“We have seen a large uptick in emergency funding requests since the pandemic,” said Dr. Rooke. “Many students work in the service industry and have lost their jobs and much needed income. This donation comes at a very critical time as we continue to help students succeed.”

Northwest Community Bank has also financially supported student success programs and the NSEF in the past added Dr. Rooke. “I am very grateful that Northwestern has such a generous community partner in Northwest Community Bank,” he said.

“It is our pleasure to play a small role in support of the great work being done for students at Northwestern,” said Reilly.