Thank you for investing in SLCC students!
2025 – 2026 DONOR IMPACT REPORT
A Note from
SLCC President Dr. Greg Peterson Dear Friend of Salt Lake Community College, Thank you for investing in our students. Because of generous donors like you, Salt Lake Community College continues to provide affordable, accessible pathways to education and opportunity. Your generosity opens doors for students and provides the support they need to engage, graduate, and thrive. In this year’s Donor Impact Report, you’ll see the meaningful difference you are making in the lives of SLCC students. Your support helps students build confidence, overcome challenges, and prepare for rewarding careers. For many, an SLCC education becomes a catalyst for lasting personal and economic growth. Thank you again for being part of the SLCC community. Together, we are empowering students to reach their goals and create brighter futures.
Greg Peterson, EdD President Salt Lake Community College 2
Continued GROWTH
Total Donors:
With your support, the SLCC Foundation continues to increase its investment in SLCC students as they work to achieve their goals. In fiscal year 2026, 1,804 donors gave over $8.1 million, up from $7 million the previous year. This upward trend highlights the growing power of community support and the impact your generosity has on the lives of SLCC students.
WHO GAVE
1,804 First-Time Donors:
1,090
Programs:
$4,693,694
Individuals:
93%
Scholarships:
Businesses:
$2,429,817
4%
Foundations:
3%
Endowments:
$434,554
Amounts based on new gifts and pledges secured from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026
Unrestricted/Other:
TOTAL RAISED:
$592,294
$8,150,359 3
A Student’s Journey
A Calling to Help Comfort For Janika Newingham, a chance introduction to mortuary science during high school sparked an interest that would eventually become her calling. What began as curiosity about the profession evolved into a deeper understanding of its true purpose: caring for people during some of life’s most difficult moments. As Janika prepared to graduate high school in 2022, she was still deciding on her future. Then, just before graduation, she was diagnosed with a disabling chronic illness. For a time, she considered putting college aside. But when she discovered Salt Lake Community College’s Mortuary Science Program, everything clicked. “I chose my degree before I chose my college,” she says. “And SLCC was the right fit.” Janika enrolled at SLCC while balancing significant responsibilities at home. Living with her grandparents, she helped care for them while also working part-time. She was determined to pursue one of the College’s most selective programs, despite the financial challenges ahead. Then she learned she had been awarded the FJM Impact Fund Scholarship. “This full-tuition scholarship was my turning point,” Janika says. “It felt like a burden was lifted. Instead of worrying about how I was going to pay for school, I could focus on how I can be the best in my field.” In 2024, Janika graduated from SLCC with an Associate of Applied Science in Mortuary Science, married her high school sweetheart, and accepted a full-time position with Wasatch Lawn Mortuary. Today, she is a licensed Funeral Director serving families throughout Utah. Her passion for the profession is rooted in providing comfort and compassion when people need it most. “The most rewarding part of my career is making people smile on possibly the worst day of their life,” she says. “I try to make that special moment magical for them.” To the donors who made her education possible, Janika shares a heartfelt message: “When you support scholarships, you’re not just paying for a textbook or a credit hour,” she says. “You’re opening up the gateway that brings a student from a place of uncertainty to a place of purpose.” 4
GIVING DAY 2026
On February 19, 2026,
1,381 individual donors gave
$405,346 during SLCC’s sixth annual Giving Day! This represents a
72% increase in the number of donors compared to the previous year. As part of SLCC’s annual fund, every dollar donated during Giving Day directly supports hardworking students through scholarships, academic programs, and essential resources such as child care, emergency assistance, and food security. Together, you helped unlock $197,000 in challenge gifts, further enhancing the positive impact on SLCC students and helping them overcome barriers to thrive both in the classroom and in life. Save the date for Thursday, February 25, 2027 for our next Giving Day!
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The Annual Fund for
Student Success Each year, many of our students struggle to overcome significant hurdles such as limited finances for tuition, unforeseen financial obstacles that can derail their forward progress, food insecurity, and access to affordable child care. We thank everyone who supported these critical areas throughout the year and during Giving Day.
ANNUAL FUND FOR STUDENT SUCCESS RAISED
$1,967,696
ANNUAL FUND PRIORITIES Bruin Pantries = $103,969 “During the 2025-2026 academic year, the Bruin Pantry Network served nearly 4,000 individual students through more than 24,000 visits, demonstrating both the growing need for basic needs support and the impact of your generous donations. Every donation helps remove barriers to student success by ensuring that students have access to nutritious food and essential resources.” – Anita Lui, Assistant Director for Community Engagement
Bruin Dreams Scholarship Program = $136,953 “I am immensely thankful for the opportunity that you have given me to strengthen and further my education and become a successful and talented architect. With hard work and dedication, I plan on displaying my gratefulness by becoming a future donor and providing the same hope and support that was given to me.” – SLCC Student and Bruin Dreams Recipient
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General Scholarships = $47,164 “When things start to feel overwhelming, I remind myself that people are rooting for me. I can’t give up because I have these scholarships and that encourages me to push through.” – Lucinda Escobar, SLCC 2027, Social Work
Bruin Emergency Fund = $36,764 “Donations to the Bruin Emergency Fund are a lifeline to our students! Your support is making a difference by helping students keep going in school and become successful.” – Jose Rodriquez Hernandez, SLCC Student Support Case Manager
Child Care Program = $146,425 “Your generosity allows me to focus on my education and responsibilities without the constant stress of child care expenses. It gives me peace of mind knowing that my children are well cared for while I work toward my goals.” – SLCC Student Parent
PACE Scholarship Program = $1,559,869 “Many of our students are first-generation college students. PACE provides the guidance their families want to offer but may not know how. Completing FAFSA and registering for the correct classes can be challenging. But on-site PACE advisors really help our students through each step. I believe some of our students would not have graduated without PACE. They didn’t lack ability; they just needed a little help.” – Danny Stirland, Principal, Kearns High School 7
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Celebrating
15 Years of Impact
This year, we proudly celebrate the 15th anniversary of SLCC’s Partnership for Accessing College Education (PACE) Scholarship Program. Since 2011, PACE has opened doors for students to achieve their educational goals, whether entering the workforce or continuing to a four-year institution. As SLCC’s high-school-to-college-to-career pathway program, PACE empowers low- to moderate-income and first-generation students as they prepare for family-sustaining careers and brighter futures.
PACE THROUGH THE YEARS 2011
2012
PACE began at West High School with seven students. PACE expanded into East and Highland high schools. 8
2015 First PACE high school graduates began at SLCC on their full tuition and fees scholarship.
2016
PACE expanded into Cottonwood High School.
2021
2023
Mark and Kathie Miller made the largest single contribution to PACE to expand into Kearns High School.
PACE partnered with the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation to expand into Granger High School.
A Student’s Journey
Shooting for the Stars! The PACE Scholarship Program has changed the lives of students like Belén Castro Ruiz, a first-generation college student and proud SLCC graduate. “When I was accepted into the PACE Scholarship Program, I didn’t know what to expect,” Belén explains. “Everyone around me wasn’t taking school seriously, and I slowly started falling into that same mindset. I was skipping classes, not doing my homework, and getting bad grades.” However, Belén’s PACE advisor believed in her potential and sensed something was wrong. They reached out to her mother and learned that Belén’s father had recently passed away from cancer. “Losing him at such a young age broke me,” she shares. “But my advisor kept having those tough conversations with me and encouraging me to keep going. It was time for me to shoot for the stars.” With support from SLCC and the PACE program, Belén felt confident exploring her academic interests. “Having this scholarship gave me the freedom to explore different fields of study, from nursing to business.” She graduated with an associate’s degree in education from SLCC, then transferred to the University of Utah, where she earned two bachelor’s degrees in ethnic studies and gender studies. “Being part of PACE ended up being one of the best decisions I ever made,” Belén shares. “Someone believed in me before I believed in myself. And because of that, I want to give back and help others, too.”
THANK YOU to the 555 funding partners who believe in SLCC’s PACE scholars. 2024 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a generous contribution to PACE for scholarship support.
2025
2026
PACE, Summer Bridge, and the Bruin Scholars programs partnered to streamline services, maximize resources, and reach more students.
Mark and Kathie Miller renewed their commitment to Kearns High School and extended their support for Cottonwood High School to assist efforts toward achieving 100% high school completion. They also committed to improving students’ math skills in partnership with United Way and the Utah Promise Partnership.
PACE celebrates 15 years of impact.
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PACE by the Numbers Investing in Success Since 2011 PACE is offered at six public high schools across the Salt Lake City and Granite School Districts. PACE has helped over 2,000 students and generous donors have committed $8 million. All funds go directly into scholarship and program support.
92% of PACE students are first-generation college students from predominantly low-income families. 711 PACE students are currently in high school, 794 have completed the high school program, and
527 have gone on to college.
Since 2015, the one-year retention rate for Bruin Scholars receiving the PACE Scholarship has been 24% higher than the overall retention rate for all SLCC students.
“At first, I didn’t think going to college would be a good idea since it’s a lot of money and I am a first-gen student. I didn’t even know how colleges worked or who to ask for help. But now with the help of PACE, I am excited to attend college to learn more and do more. I feel guided with the PACE program, and I know I can always count on them for help.” — Miley M., Class of 2027, Granger High School Established in 2021, the Summer Bridge Program prepares 250 incoming SLCC students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, with the academic skills, confidence, and supportive peer networks needed to succeed in school. 10
The Bruin Scholars Program empowers over 1,000 SLCC students annually to achieve academic and career success through personalized mentorship, access to key campus resources, transfer guidance, and enriching communitybuilding experiences.
PACE Donor Highlight
Marc & Debbie Bingham: A Legacy of Lifting Others From humble beginnings to a mission rooted in unwavering hope for the future, Marc and Debbie Bingham believe that when people are given a chance, they don’t just improve their own lives; they lift everyone around them. That belief directly influences how Marc and Debbie choose to give. Through the Marc C. & Deborah H. Bingham Foundation, they actively support programs like the PACE Scholarship Program at SLCC, helping first-generation students access the guidance and resources they need to succeed. “When we learned that PACE is focused on first-generation students, that really aligned with how we felt about giving back,” Debbie says. “If you can change the direction for one student, you can change the direction for their entire family.” For Marc, the impact extends even further. “I reflect on my life and remember several times when someone helped me. My life could have taken a different path. But one changed life can influence a thousand.” 11
A Day of Golf
A Lifetime of Impact Every September, supporters of the annual Gail Miller Utah Leadership Cup come together for an unforgettable day on the course while raising critical scholarship funds for SLCC students. In 2025, the event generated $290,886, with all proceeds directly supporting students as they pursue their education and career goals. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and participants whose commitment makes this impactful event possible and helps open doors to opportunity for SLCC students.
“I appreciate everyone who has given; the donations have immensely impacted my future. Someday, I hope to pay it forward by supporting scholarships that help the next generation of students achieve their dreams.” - Rosa Cortez, SLCC Scholarship Recipient, Dental Hygiene Program
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SLCC believes higher education should be available to all, and we strive to keep college accessible through low tuition and fees. However, many students still need financial support to attend. To make college financially accessible, SLCC offers a wide range of scholarships available to nearly every student.
During fiscal year 2026, SLCC awarded more than
$3.1 million
Scholarship SUPPORT
in donor-funded scholarships to
1,564
students. This represents nearly a 10% increase in the number of students receiving scholarships compared to the previous year.
A Student’s Journey
The Ripple Effect of Generosity With scholarship support, Max Wenham is currently pursuing an associate’s degree in physics, which he expects to complete in 2028. From there, he plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in astrophysics and astronomy with a minor in astrobiology at the University of Arizona, and eventually a PhD. “Receiving a scholarship not only helped me financially, but it helped open me up to so many other opportunities,” he says. “It has allowed me to focus on school and follow my path to what I want to explore and share with others.” Alongside his studies, Max founded and is president of the Anomalous Phenomena Research Society, a student club at SLCC. He also took part in the Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium through SLCC, in which he, along with a colleague and Associate Dean of Physical Science, researched machine learning to predict the chemical composition of RR Lyrae stars. Looking ahead, Max hopes to inspire others. He shares, “Every opportunity creates momentum. Every connection sparks possibility. And every act of generosity has the power to create a ripple effect that opens doors not just for one student, but for countless others who are following their dreams.” 13
The Power of
In-Kind Giving Thanks to the generosity of our donors, SLCC received $358,578 in gifts-in-kind. These donations provide students with access to essential tools, equipment, materials, art, and technology that support hands-on learning in an enriching educational environment. We extend special recognition to the City of West Jordan Fleet Department for its generous donation of a 2009 Pierce Arrow XT Fire Engine, valued at $180,000. This gift provides an invaluable training resource for students in SLCC Tech’s Firefighter Academy.
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QUICK FACTS
64%
From the
Salt Lake Community College Foundation Thank you for the life-changing impact you make through your generosity. Students, their families, and our community all benefit from opportunities you help provide. Because of you, students can pursue their education with greater confidence and fewer barriers. Whether they are earning a degree, completing a certificate, or preparing for a new career, your support helps them stay on track and move toward their goals. Many SLCC students balance school with work, family, and finances. Your investment provides critical support when it is needed most, helping students persist, succeed, and build bright futures for themselves and their families. The Salt Lake Community College Foundation directs 100% of your gift to student support. Every scholarship awarded, emergency need met, and opportunity created is a result of your commitment to student success. Thank you for believing in our students and for being an important part of their journey. Together, we strengthen lives, enrich communities, and create opportunities that will have a lasting impact for years to come.
Kyle Treadway Board Chair SLCC Foundation
of students work while attending school
47%
are first-generation students
37.6%
of students receive some financial assistance
8 campus locations and online
25 average student age
Average class size 18 students
4,157 graduates in May 2026 15
About
SLCC Salt Lake Community College, home to SLCC Tech, is Utah’s largest open-access institution, welcoming nearly 60,000 students each year across eight campuses and online. As one of the most diverse higher education institutions in the state, we are committed to creating opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds and circumstances to pursue their dreams. Our students include recent high school graduates beginning their college journey, individuals developing specialized skills for direct entry into the workforce, and seasoned professionals seeking to advance their careers with new expertise. At SLCC, we believe education is a catalyst for personal and community transformation, offering everyone the chance to unlock their potential and shape their future. For more information on how to support SLCC students, please contact: SLCC Foundation Salt Lake Community College – AAB 101 4600 South Redwood Road Salt Lake City, Utah 84123 801-957-4658 development@slcc.edu slcc.edu/development-and-alumni
FOUNDATION
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