COURT HOUSE – The Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation voted May 3 to allocate $10,000 from its county Championship Golf Tournament proceeds to help nursing students offset the increased cost of their program. ACCC, as part of its $35-million budget, increased the nursing clinical fee from $22 per credit hour to $175. According to a group of students from nursing class 112, the increase would bring the cost of the two-year program to $,9000 from $4,500 and force many to drop out. “Some of us are working two jobs, caring for our families, and paying for childcare all while paying our tuition and maintaining our grades,” said Judy Cole, a student representative for her class. “We realize the hardship this has posed for our students and we want to help offset those costs,” said Ken Calemmo, 2006 golf tournament chairman. The $10,000 allocation from the golf tournament will be distributed among 20 nursing students who will receive $500 grants in the spring semester. An additional $30,000 in relief funds has been requested from the foundation to help soften the financial burden. Its board will review the request at its June 8 meeting. Currently about $14,000 in emergency aid has been earmarked for nursing students for 2006-2007 and students have been offered financial aid counseling, according to Carmen Royal, dean of students. The golf tournament is scheduled for Oct. 13 at the Cape May National Golf Club. Contact Huggins at: (609) 886-8600 ext. 25 or lhuggins@cmcherald.com
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