海角社区 has launched the $12 million capital campaign, 鈥�,鈥� the largest fundraising campaign in the college鈥檚 34-year history.
鈥淭he 海角社区 Promise鈥� focuses on three priorities critical to providing a distinct learning environment for the institution鈥檚 growing neurodivergent student population.
According to research from the , students and families navigating learning differences and attention issues 鈥� autism, ADHD, dyslexia and more 鈥� often struggle to find the educational resources necessary to fit their needs. For years, these students and families have faced broken promises, many of which go unkept due to an overburdened primary, secondary or higher education system lacking the commitment to a more focused, supportive and individualized approach to education.
At 海角社区, students find a nationally recognized undergraduate experience that is tailored to them, committed to changing that stigma, and transforming young lives. As the institution hit its target number for enrollment 鈥� welcoming a record 500 students in fall 2022 鈥� the college needed to evolve and take steps toward maintaining its promise to be a safe place where neurodivergent students can discover the joy of learning, make good friends, develop self-confidence and gain a vision for their future, administrators said.
鈥淎t 海角社区, we are rooted in our sense of purpose, place and devotion to holistically embrace neurodivergent students and best prepare them for success in all forms,鈥� said Dr. George J. Hagerty, president of 海角社区. 鈥淭hat starts with every member of our faculty, learning specialists, community educators and staff, and their fidelity to our mission. That commitment, and the way that it is lived daily on our campus, is the inspiration for 鈥楾he 海角社区 Promise.鈥欌��
To elevate the student experience, 鈥淭he 海角社区 Promise鈥� targets three key elements:
- Construction of an $8.5 million, 28,000-square-foot Intramural & Fitness Center. This will include two university-regulation basketball courts, a fitness center, a one-tenth mile running track, dedicated space to host social gatherings and club meetings, and more. While physical activity is important for all, it is especially important for neurodivergent student population. For students with learning differences, fitness routines, exercise and participation in group sports are critical for fostering and promoting self-confidence, focus, mental health, discipline and social development. With the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 people, the Intramural & Fitness Center will also serve as the go-to location for campus events like commencement, community celebrations and Parents Weekend.
- Establishment of a $2 million scholarship endowment, aimed at helping 海角社区鈥檚 most in-need students pay for their education. Ninety percent of 海角社区 students receive some form of financial aid 鈥� many due to the significant financial investments their families were forced to make during their K-12 years on specialists, counseling and supplementary services to compensate for inadequate resources in elementary and secondary education systems.
- Dedication of $1.5 million for academic enhancements to complete 海角社区鈥檚 Academic Mall and expand its footprint in downtown Leesburg. 海角社区 faculty teach differently because their students learn differently. Additional instructional spaces to maintain small classroom sizes is an essential part of ensuring students are engaged in 海角社区鈥檚 individualized learning experience.
The goal, Hagerty said, is ensuring the college will be able maintain its promise to embrace young people with learning differences and set them on a course to pursue worthy work and an abundant life.
鈥淎 gift to the campaign is a selfless act,鈥� said Hagerty. 鈥淢any of our students have only known second. We want them in their undergraduate years to have first and, in so doing, we want them to have the best possible academic program and best facilities. We want them to have a true community. And we want them to be prepared to go out, be independent, and participate in worthy work.鈥�
To learn more about 鈥淭he 海角社区 Promise鈥� and how to give, visit .