MiraCosta College Resources Available to Students Affected by COVID-19

MiraCosta College, in conjunction with the college’s Foundation, Computers 2 Kids, Nordson, and MiraCosta College Associated Student Government (ASG) announced the distribution of critical resources to support MiraCosta College students impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Items include, but are not limited to, food, technology, and gift cards. On Monday, March 30, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. the first wave of laptops will be distributed to students in need with additional distribution dates to follow. The MiraCosta College Foundation has the goal to support 1,000 students in need of technology.

“Since the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak became a reality, our students, some of our most vulnerable members in our community, find themselves without food, childcare, funding, and technology to pursue their studies,” explains Dr. Sunita Cooke, MiraCosta College Superintendent/President. “Through no fault of their own, these bright, dedicated students find themselves in immediate need of our help.”

Emergency support for students in need is critical as they reenter classes after Spring Break and continue their studies in a remote or online learning environment. MiraCosta College remains steadfast in keeping those in our community safe and remaining flexible to ensure the integrity of the educational mission to students and the community.

In addition, Student Services staff at MiraCosta College are still providing support connecting students to resources that are available within the community. Sessions are now held virtually through Zoom or by phone. Though the college’s food pantry and food distributions are canceled for the remainder of the semester, food distribution partners such as Feeding San Diego and San Diego Food Bank are leading efforts in the community to host emergency food distributions in communities throughout San Diego County and the MiraCosta CARE program is connecting students to these distributions. If students are in need of a gift card to do grocery shopping online, the program has the flexibility to provide additional resources on a case by case basis.

The MiraCosta College Foundation has been instrumental in creating a safety net for students. “MiraCosta faces a great challenge of moving education to online but stands ready to help its students,” explains Alec Babiarz, President of the MiraCosta College Foundation. The Foundation recently announced the Student Emergency Response Initiative. Through the Initiative, the Foundation set a goal to raise enough funds to underwrite 1,000 Student Emergency Response Kits. Each kit will provide qualified students with a $500 credit toward a customized combination of food, shelter, and access to online learning, including computers when called for, based upon each student’s specific need.

Emergency grant funds have already been awarded this semester. Given the anticipated need, computers have also been purchased to give to students and low/no cost internet hot spots are available as part of the customized emergency kits being offered to students in need. If you are interested in donating to the Foundation to aid in student assistance, please visit the Foundation’s website or contact Cynthia Rice ([email protected]).

About MiraCosta College

The MiraCosta Community College District has served the coastal North San Diego County area for over 80 years. More than 21,000 credit students per semester in over 70 disciplines enroll in associate degrees, university transfer and workforce readiness certificate programs. The college also serves a wide spectrum of educational needs in the region ranging from programs for adult education, basic skills, and ESL to a California Community College pilot program offering the nation’s first baccalaureate degree in biomanufacturing. MiraCosta College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).