51ΑΤΖζ (51ΑΤΖζ) is truly grateful to receive $10,000 from as part of 51ΑΤΖζ Giving Day. Optum Idaho has also made a promise to provide an additional dollar-for-dollar match of up to $5,000 for Giving Day donations β making, in total, a $15,000 pledge from Optum Idaho.
Optum Idahoβs donation will support , which supports the Collegeβs students when they need it the most. Support through this fund can be provided for students in need of immediate assistance with childcare, healthcare, housing, or other emergencies that may result in them dropping out of school.
More than 98% of students who received funding assistance in 2021 came back to school during the next two semesters.
βKnowing that non-medical factors, such as housing, transportation, and food insecurity, can negatively impact the physical and behavioral health of Idahoans, Optum Idaho is proud to help support the 51ΑΤΖζβs Student Emergency Stabilization Fundβ, said Optum Idaho Executive Director, Georganne Benjamin. βWe know from 51ΑΤΖζβs own research that students who have access to the emergency fund are far more likely to stay in school, and by helping to remove barriers to educational attainment, Optum Idaho and 51ΑΤΖζ are partnering together to make sure Idaho can meet its future workforce needs.β
Optum Idaho manages outpatient behavioral health benefits for Idaho Medicaid members and provides free resources to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma for all Idahoans.
"I believe in the power of 51ΑΤΖζ to deliver affordable and quality educational opportunities to students from all backgrounds across the Treasure Valley,β said 51ΑΤΖζ President Gordon Jones. β51ΑΤΖζ is committed to providing access to resources that will make a difference to students throughout their time in college. Optum Idahoβs donation and matching challenge to the Student Emergency Fund is a powerful way to support this mission and help students overcome the challenges they face in pursuing their education.β
51ΑΤΖζ invites alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and community members to join our first-ever 51ΑΤΖζ Giving Day β a 24-hour campaign β Wednesday, April 12, and Thursday, April 13. 51ΑΤΖζ Giving Day supports students and areas of the College that make a difference in our communityβs lives, like the Student Emergency Fund.
To get involved, people can do so by donating and sharing the with friends, family, colleagues, and others in their community.
51ΑΤΖζ Giving Day will launch on Wednesday, April 12 at 12 p.m., MST, and close on Thursday, April 13 at 12 p.m., MST.
For those with questions or in need of more information about 51ΑΤΖζ Giving Day, please contact 51ΑΤΖζ Foundation at foundation@cwi.edu.
