E3 Alliance Receives Funding from Lola Wright Foundation to Aid Central Texas Students

 

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

AUSTIN, Texas — E3 Alliance is excited to announce the receipt of a generous grant from the Lola Wright Foundation aimed at enhancing the Emergency Bridge Fund for the 2024-2025 academic year. This pivotal funding will assist around 40 first-generation Central Texas college students from low-income households in underrepresented communities who face the risk of discontinuing their education due to unexpected financial hardships.

The collaboration between E3 Alliance and the Lola Wright Foundation is instrumental in empowering underserved students to persist in their postsecondary education, which is crucial for improving individual lives and boosting the economic vitality of the Central Texas region. Since the 2016-2017 academic year, E3 Alliance has successfully distributed 432 Emergency Bridge Fund grants, illustrating the profound impact of this initiative on student persistence and achievement.

The Emergency Bridge Fund is as a critical support system for students who might otherwise need to pause their education due to unexpected challenges, such as medical emergencies, income loss, or other unforeseen expenses. By offering timely financial assistance, E3 Alliance helps students stay enrolled and committed to their educational goals.

This initiative eliminates monetary barriers that could hinder students' progress in higher education—much like addressing a flat tire can significantly impact a student’s budget. Often, a modest amount of financial support makes all the difference, allowing students to attend classes and continue their education. E3 Alliance has pioneered the country’s first multi-institution regional Emergency Bridge Funds for Central Texas College Attainment Network a collaboration of community organizations, schools, higher education institutions, and others working to help students, especially those underrepresented in higher education, graduate high school, enroll in college, and earn a credential. students, establishing systems to provide grants in real-time as needs arise.

On average, E3 Alliance assists approximately 45 CTXCAN students per semester with an average grant of about $480, facilitating their enrollment in partner higher education institutions. Remarkably, nearly 90% of these students—approximately 85% in the most recent cohort (2021-2022)—return to their studies in the subsequent semester following their Emergency Bridge Fund award. With enhanced financial support services integrated into future iterations of the Emergency Bridge Fund initiative, we believe these students will be even better equipped to persist and complete their degrees with minimal debt.

Moving forward, E3 Alliance remains committed to expanding access to higher education and fostering student success throughout Central Texas.

Kaci Kai, Senior Director of Communications

E3 Alliance

512-223-7245

E3 Alliance Website - The official website of E3 Alliance provides detailed information about the organization, its mission, and its impact on education in Central Texas. It serves as a primary source of information for stakeholders, showcasing the credibility and transparency of E3 Alliance's work.

E3 Alliance Data Portal - The E3 Alliance Data Portal is a valuable resource for accessing data-driven insights and research related to education outcomes in Central Texas. By citing this source, the press release gains credibility through the use of empirical evidence and statistical analysis provided by E3 Alliance.

Lola Wright Foundation Website - The official website of the Lola Wright Foundation offers insights into the Foundation's focus areas, grant initiatives, and impact on the community. By referencing this source, readers can verify the Foundation's commitment to supporting education and youth development, enhancing the press release's credibility.

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