EMCC Development Foundation

06/01/2026

Congratulations Tony!

Tony Montgomery retired at the end of May after nearly 30 years as a student athlete, head baseball coach and administrator at EMCC. He has worn many hats during his tenure at the college, serving most recently as the dean on our Scooba campus and executive director of College Advancement, the latter of which entailed overseeing the EMCC Development Foundation, the college’s fundraising arm that supports academics, athletic programs and capital building projects. Read about his multifaceted career at EMCC here: https://bit.ly/4afZ8kD

05/27/2026

The Challenge: The "Almost" Graduate

In the six counties served by East Mississippi Community College, many students are "almost" there. They have the drive, the grades, and
even a partial scholarship. However, federal Pell Grants and traditional aid often have strict "tuition-only" silos.

When a student’s aid covers tuition but leaves them $400 short for textbooks, $600 short for specialized nursing equipment, or unable to pay the remaiming balance on their account, they become an "almost" graduate. They have the debt of a student, but not the credentials of a professional.

The Solution: A True "Last-Dollar" Fund

The Bridge Scholars Program: The EMCC Foundation is creating an unrestricted scholarship fund. It is designed to be the "Last Dollar"—the final, critical piece of
funding that bridges the gap between a student's existing aid and their total
cost of attendance.

Because this fund is unrestricted, it allows the EMCC Foundation to be agile. We don't just pay for a class; we solve the specific financial hurdle
standing in a student’s way.
Students eligible for this scholarship must have a high school diploma or equivalent and enrolled at EMCC as a full-time student, maintaining a 2.5 GPA.

Bridge Scholars funding will be available when:
· Federal Aid falls short: Covering the
"gap" for middle-income families who don't qualify for full Pell Grants.
· Life Intervenes: Providing immediate
funds for the "hidden costs" of education—testing fees, uniforms, or required toolkits.
· Persistence is at Risk: Clearing a final
small balance that would otherwise prevent a student from registering for their graduating semester.

The Power of "Last-Dollar" Giving:

When you give to the Bridge Scholars Program, your dollar is high-leverage. You aren't just funding a fraction of an education; you are protecting the entire investment already made by the student and the state.
· For the Student: It is the difference
between dropping out and walking across the stage.
· For the Donor: Your gift is directed to
the point of maximum need and maximum impact.
· For the Community: It ensures the east Mississippi region has a steady stream of graduates ready to enter the workforce without
the anchor of personal debt.

100 Years. 100 Donors. 100% Student Success:

We are establishing the Bridge Endowed Scholars Program as we prepare to celebrate 100 years of East Mississippi Community
College in 2027. Our immediate goal is
to acquire 100 donors giving $1,000 to raise $100,000 toward our $3M endowment goal!

Want to make a high-impact difference? Join us as one of our founding 100 donors today! For more information call the EMCC Foundation at 662-476-5063 or email [email protected]

05/26/2026

Thank you to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for your philanthropic support!

CONGRATULATIONS: The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded our EMCC Adult Education Launch Pad a $10,000 grant that will be used to purchase instructional materials, supplies and software, as well as one-time gas cards for students with a demonstrated financial need. A growing number of Adult Education students are enrolling in short-term, certificate or associate degree programs of study at EMCC. Read more here: https://bit.ly/42TvbD8

04/17/2026

Our students understand that giving back matters! We salute their efforts and their kindness!

04/15/2026

We highly recommend the summer camps offered by EMCC!

🍳 2026 Kids Culinary Camp 🍳
Hosted by East Mississippi Community College at the Annex Building

👩‍🍳 Get Ready to Cook, Create & Have Fun! 👨‍🍳
Join us for an exciting, hands-on culinary experience where kids learn kitchen skills, explore new recipes, and build confidence in the kitchen!

📅 Camp Dates:
• June 8th–11th (2nd–4th Grades)
• June 15th–18th (5th–8th Grades)
• June 22nd–25th (9th–12th Grades)

💲 Cost:
$300 per child
⚠️ Space is limited!

📝 How to Register:
• Sign up in the Administration Office at Lion Hills
• Download your application at:
lionhills.eastms.edu

📞 Questions? Contact Us:
662-329-6741

📍 2331 Military Road
Columbus, MS 39705

✨ Spots fill quickly—secure your child’s place today! ✨

04/14/2026

A special thank you to all our supporters!

04/07/2026

This , we’re proud to highlight the vital role Mississippi’s community colleges play in building a skilled, job-ready workforce. These institutions are key partners in equipping individuals with in-demand skills—fueling career success and expanding economic opportunity across our state. Coahoma Community College | Copiah-Lincoln Community College | East Central Community College | East Mississippi Community College | Holmes Community College | Hinds Community College | Itawamba Community College | Jones College | Meridian Community College | Mississippi Delta Community College | Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | Northeast Mississippi Community College | Northwest Mississippi Community College | Pearl River Community College | Southwest Mississippi Community College

04/06/2026

The Impact Scholarship: A New Vision for EMCC
Honoring Students & Teachers!

The East Mississippi Community College Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Impact Scholarship, a distinctive new initiative made possible through the vision of an anonymous donor.

This donor has established this program for a one-year inaugural period at every community college across the state of Mississippi. At EMCC, this manifests as a $27,500 total gift, designed to recognize academic achievement, provide a safety net for students in need, and honor the educators who shape our future.

As we launch this first year, the EMCC Foundation is actively seeking a visionary local donor to partner with us to sustain and grow this program for future Lions.

How the Impact Gift Supports Our Students:
The total $27,500 commitment is allocated to provide support for the 2026-2027 academic year:

$20,000, Impact Scholarship Awards (Tuition assistance for selected students)

$5,000, Impact Emergency Fund (To assist students with unforeseen financial crises)

$2,500, Impact Award Luncheon (To formally honor students and their mentors)

Scholarship Award & Eligibility
Twenty recipients of the Impact Scholarship receive a $1,000 total annual award:
• $500 for the Fall 2026 Semester
• $500 for the Spring 2027 Semester

Eligibility is based on:
• Academic Achievement: Demonstrated success in the classroom.
• Financial Need: Verified financial need.
• Enrollment: Planning to enroll or currently enrolled as a Full-Time student at EMCC for the Fall 2026 Semester.
• The Impact Teacher Essay: A required 300–500-word reflection in which students share the story of a teacher or professor who made the most significant difference in their lives.
The Annual Impact Teacher Luncheon
The Impact Scholarship goes beyond financial support by formally recognizing the mentor identified in each recipient's essay.
Each year, scholarship recipients and their honored educators are invited to a special luncheon hosted by the EMCC Foundation. This event brings together students, educators, and EMCC leadership to celebrate the powerful role teachers play in shaping lives. The luncheon serves as a public expression of gratitude and a reminder of the enduring impact of mentorship in education.

Apply for the Impact Scholarship
• Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
• Submit Your Impact Scholarship Application to [email protected] For more information call 662-476-5063

A Call to Support Our Future
While this inaugural year is funded by a generous anonymous gift, the EMCC Foundation is looking for a partner to ensure this program—and the vital Emergency Fund—becomes a permanent fixture of our campus culture.

If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring the Impact Scholarship Program for future years, please contact the EMCC Foundation Office 662-476-5063 or email [email protected]

04/02/2026

EMCC continues to set the bar for excellence! From being ranked #2 in Mississippi and in the top 30 nationally by Niche, to our student-athletes and faculty receiving prestigious national Phi Theta Kappa awards, EMCC is providing that first-class education right here at home.

But these accolades are more than just trophies—they represent lives changed! Behind every ranking is a student receiving the training they need to fuel Mississippi’s workforce.

Success like this requires more than just hard work; it requires a community. The EMCC Foundation is the engine that provides the scholarships, technology, and facility upgrades that keep our students at the top of their game.

Help us keep the momentum going! Support the EMCC Foundation today eastms.edu/alumni/donations/index.html and invest in the next generation of leaders! For more information call 662-476-5063 or email [email protected].
East Mississippi Community College East Mississippi Community College Athletics EMCC Office of Recruitment

04/01/2026

The impact of 2nd Chance MS on Adult Education in Mississippi is immeasurable! Special thank you to Zach Scruggs and his team. It is always a pleasure to host you on the EMCC Campus! You are changing the lives of our students!

Invest in a student!
Make a secure online gift today at eastms.edu/alumni/donations or call 662-476-5063 for more information.

East Mississippi Community College