The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees during its May regularly scheduled meeting accepted a number of gifts and grants, including over $675,000 from the U.S. Department of Education.

The College accepted $494,508 from the Perkins Loan program. Perkins funds are available to assist eligible disadvantaged students enrolled in the college’s workforce training programs.

The College also accepted $112,065 in Federal Work-Study funding. Students applying for financial aid may also qualify for work-study funds. This program gives students the chance to earn money toward their education by working at jobs on the campus of Southwestern Michigan College while they are attending college.

The college also received $70,396 in Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) funds. The SEOG program provides additional funds beyond the federal Pell Grant financial aid given to students who have the greatest financial need. All three federal grants are for the 2010-2011 award year.

According to SMC President Dr. David Mathews, “Southwestern Michigan College aggressively seeks all types of federal funding, state funding, and private funding for the benefit of our students. These funds oftentimes make the difference in making higher education a reality for students with exceptional financial challenges.”

The Board of Trustees also accepted the following local gifts:

• From Better Business Bureau, Grand, Rapids, a contribution in amount of $2,000.
• From the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Chapter No. 3,
South Bend, IN, a contribution in amount of $1000.
• From the Edward Lowe Foundation, Cassopolis, an in-kind contribution valued at $628.
• From Mrs. Daryl Matthews, Niles, a contribution in amount  of $500.
•From Steve, Jan and Emily Cox, Schoolcraft, MI, a contribution in the amount of $250.
• From Brooke Warner and Jaron Mosier, Dowagiac,  a contribution in amount of $200.
• From Midwest Energy Cooperative, Cassopolis,  a contribution in amount of  $150.
• From Ms. Marsha Barnett-Orwig, Plainfield, IL, a contribution in amount of $100.
• From the Niles High School Class of 1989, a contribution in amount of $100.
• From Robert A. Smith, Dowagiac, a contribution in amount of $100.