Funded by the Foundation

Scholarships ($450,000+ annually): 140 scholarships support nearly 300 students, opening doors at every stage, whether they are just starting, continuing their education, or preparing to transfer. Awards range from $250 to full tuition and fees and recognize academic achievement, financial need, community service, and career goals.
Paid Internships ($20,000): This program ensures students can participate in internships, even when positions are unpaid. By removing financial barriers, students gain real-world experience while building connections with local employers. Many internships have led directly to permanent jobs.
Student Engagement and Retention: The Foundation supports expert-led workshops designed to strengthen student engagement, improve retention, and deepen relationship-based learning across campus.

Campus Cupboard ($18,000+ annually): The Campus Cupboard supports students, faculty, and staff by helping meet essential needs with dignity. It provides fresh and nonperishable food, SNAP assistance, toiletries and household items, diapers, Thanksgiving baskets, and workshops and support services through community partnerships, ensuring members of the BCC community can focus on their work and education without worrying about basic necessities.
Emergency Funding: BCC Foundation Emergency Financial Aid provides critical, short-term support to students facing unexpected financial challenges outside of the traditional scholarship cycle. These funds are awarded as scholarships and may cover a range of eligible expenses, helping students stay enrolled and on track when urgent needs arise. Additionally, the Alumni for Students Emergency Fund provides immediate assistance to students experiencing extraordinary, unforeseen circumstances. Designed as a short-term bridge, it helps students navigate emergencies—such as housing instability or loss of essential belongings — until longer-term resources can be secured.

Advanced Manufacturing Robotics Camera System ($9,000): Enhances hands-on learning by allowing robotic systems to “see” and adapt in real time.
Student Spaceflight Experiment Program ($29,000 total across years): Gives students the rare opportunity to design experiments sent to the International Space Station, engaging both students and local schools.
Teaching and Learning Institute Lab ($25,000): This project created a cutting-edge learning space equipped with Mac and PC workstations, video and audio production tools, assistive technologies, and software for content creation and accessibility. The lab supports innovative teaching practices and promotes inclusive learning for all students.
Classroom Technology ($3,300): These tools increase student engagement and participation, especially for quieter learners, while strengthening critical thinking and retention.

Disability Services Training ($12,000): Expanded support for students with and without formal documentation, helping more students succeed.
SAEM Professional Development Day ($5,500): Funded keynote speakers and programming for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management staff.
Lombard Faculty and Staff Enrichment Awards: Ongoing annual support for professional growth that enhances student learning.

Nursing Program Equipment ($175,000): Includes advanced tools like a virtual dissection table, giving students cutting-edge, hands-on experience.
Physical Therapy Equipment ($20,000): Adjustable treatment tables simulate real clinical environments for safe, effective training.

Para-to-Teacher Program Support ($16,384): Helps paraprofessionals become licensed teachers, addressing local workforce shortages while supporting student success.

Countertop Steamer for Culinary Arts ($3,525): Industry-standard tools like a countertop steamer prepare students for professional kitchens.

MIDI (musical instrumental digital interface) Lab ($58,200): Created a dedicated digital music workspace with keyboards, a piano, and computers, giving students hands-on experience in composition and production while expanding opportunities in music and audio technology.

Library Archive Project ($20,000): Created a secure, public-facing archival space in the library that preserves BCC’s history while making materials accessible to students and the community. The space supports teaching and research and expands digital access to historical collections.
Learning Center Upgrades ($5,000): Installed required testing center technology, ensuring BCC can continue offering important community-based certification exams.
One Stop Renovation ($100,000): Supported by a $5.5 million state grant and Foundation funding, the One Stop Student Success project transformed BCC’s admissions and enrollment experience by bringing key student services into one centralized Welcome Center.
Honors Lounge Furnishings ($6,325): Supported the creation of a welcoming Honors Center where students can study, collaborate, and connect, fostering community and a sense of belonging among Honors Scholars.