CCP to Host Annual Fundraiser for Student Scholarships Amid Leadership Changes

In an era where the rising cost of higher education poses significant challenges to many families, the story of Fatima Abbas highlights the pivotal role that community colleges can play in fostering academic and professional success. Hailing from a family with limited resources for college tuition, Abbas was home-schooled throughout high school due to safety concerns at her local public school. She found her path forward at the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), which she credits for providing vital support in her academic journey.

Abbas recalls her excitement about CCP’s transfer programs with established local universities such as Temple University, which facilitated her transition into higher education. This decision proved transformative, as it set her on a trajectory that ultimately led to a bachelor’s degree from Temple, a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and her current position as the inaugural director of the Office of Tribal & Native Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The impact of CCP extended beyond Abbas herself; her mother, a licensed therapist, and her younger brother, who works as a data scientist, also graduated from the institution, making their family strong proponents of community college education. Abbas emphasizes that CCP not only offered an affordable pathway to higher education but also created a nurturing community conducive to learning.

On June 12, Abbas will share her journey at CCP’s annual Black & Gold Gala, a fundraising event geared towards student scholarships and support services. This year’s gala theme, “And We Rise: A Night of Student Hope and Community Renewal,” echoes the resilience and aspirations of students from diverse backgrounds who rely on such initiatives.

The gala occurs during a period of instability for CCP, recently marked by the ousting of its long-serving president, Donald Guy Generals. Following a tumultuous legal battle concerning his dismissal, officials are now focusing on the success of the gala and the positive stories stemming from the funds raised for scholarships.

As part of a broader commitment to assisting students, CCP has raised approximately .5 million since the gala’s inception in 2018, averaging about 0,000 annually for scholarships that support many individuals, particularly those eligible for federal Pell Grants. Approximately 70% of CCP students come from lower-income families, and many receive scholarships that significantly alleviate their financial burdens.

Abbas, who did not benefit from a CCP scholarship but received financial aid at Temple and Berkeley, understands the profound impact such financial assistance can have on a student’s ability to persist in their educational pursuits. She poignantly noted that even small scholarships can mean the difference between continuing and dropping out.

Throughout her professional journey, including her roles in various legal capacities aiding Native American tribes, Abbas has remained committed to elevating the voices of those often marginalized in society. As she prepares to speak at the gala, she plans to emphasize the importance of recognizing nontraditional paths to education, underscoring that the diverse backgrounds of CCP students enrich the learning environment.

The upcoming gala not only seeks to raise funds but also encapsulates a larger narrative about access to education, the importance of community support, and the value of hard work in overcoming economic disparities. In a world where educational privilege is often linked to socioeconomic status, stories like Abbas’s serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for change through accessible education and dedicated community involvement.