Metrowest Women's Fund Honored with Presidential Award from MassBay Community College

The Metrowest Women’s Fund, a philanthropy investing in women and girls through community building, education and grant making, was honored with a Presidential Award at the Massachusetts Bay Community College commencement ceremony at Wellesley Hills Campus on May 23, 2024 in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

The Metrowest Women’s Fund created the Single Mother Student Emergency Fund to assist single mother students at risk of leaving school. These funds provide crucial aid for non-tuition-related emergencies the students may encounter while pursuing their degrees, including childcare expenses, housing costs, transportation, and more. The Metrowest Women’s Fund has contributed more than $231,000 to the Single Mother Student Emergency Fund since its creation.

“We are proud to support single mom students at MassBay Community College,” Metrowest Women’s Fund Co-Founder and Co-Director Rachel Sagan states. “Their education can be derailed by expenses such as car repairs, broken computers, or other emergencies. We are thrilled that our community has come together to support these women as they seek to further their education and support their families.” 

Anna, a student at MassBay, shares the impact of this program: “This grant will help get my car fixed so my daughter and I can get to school. I am very grateful for this program. It can be so hard to manage life expenses on a single income while attending school. The help is very appreciated.”

Photo: (L to R) MassBay President David Podell and Metrowest Women’s Fund Co-Founder and Co-Director Rebecca Parkhill. Massachusetts Bay Community College commencement ceremony at Wellesley Hills Campus on May 23, 2024 in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Photo by Ann Hermes.