Like millions of college students across the country, Western Nevada College students have faced rapid change as theyve quickly adjusted to learning remotely. In March, WNC responded immediately to threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In less than one week, WNC instructors developed and began delivering their courses using a distance learning approach. This incredible shift, while necessary, also caused hardship, adding unexpected costs for WNC, students and instructors.

With WNCs three campuses temporarily closed, students who previously attended classes in person have been challenged with taking their courses online. These changes created unanticipated expenses for students such as the need for laptop computers, software upgrades, printers, printer ink and webcams.

Some relief was provided to students and the college through the federal CARES emergency funding act. But those funds havent reached all students.

Fortunately, philanthropic groups, such as the Wells Fargo Foundation, and the local business community have stepped forward to support students and the institution through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Wells Fargo Foundation recently provided a grant for $10,000 to WNC to help mitigate the impact on students and the college.

Education is an important key to unlocking future personal and professional success, said Wells Fargo Northern Nevada Region Bank President Yanus Nelson. Thats why the Wells Fargo Foundation was proud to provide a grant to help Western Nevada College students continue their education and succeed financially during these challenging times.

Thank you to the Wells Fargo Foundation for this donation. The needs of our students have been much greater than our available resources. These are definitely challenging times and we are so grateful to all the generous organizations that support WNC, our students and our community, said WNC Foundation Executive Director Niki Gladys.

For information on contributing to the WNC Student Emergency Fund, contact WNC Foundation at 775-445-3239 or go to wnc.edu/foundation/donate.