E3 Alliance Receives Funding from Lola Wright Foundation to Aid Central Texas Students
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, February 24, 2025 – Austin, Texas — E3 Alliance is excited to announce the receipt of a generous grant from the Lola Wright Foundation aimed at enhancing the Emergency Bridge Fund for the 2024-2025 academic year. This pivotal funding will assist around 40 first-generation Central Texas college students from low-income households in underrepresented communities who face the risk of discontinuing their education due to unexpected financial hardships.
The collaboration between E3 Alliance and the Lola Wright Foundation is instrumental in empowering underserved students to persist in their postsecondary education, which is crucial for improving individual lives and boosting the economic vitality of the Central Texas region. Since the 2016-2017 academic year, E3 Alliance has successfully distributed 432 Emergency Bridge Fund grants, illustrating the profound impact of this initiative on student persistence and achievement.
“Our partnership with the Lola Wright Foundation is vital in providing these first-generation college students the resources necessary to overcome financial obstacles,” said Karl Nichols, Senior Director of Development at E3 Alliance. “This grant not only eases immediate financial burdens but also cultivates a sense of security, enabling students to concentrate on their studies and pursue their academic ambitions.”
The Emergency Bridge Fund is as a critical support system for students who might otherwise need to pause their education due to unexpected challenges, such as medical emergencies, income loss, or other unforeseen expenses. By offering timely financial assistance, E3 Alliance helps students stay enrolled and committed to their educational goals.
This initiative eliminates monetary barriers that could hinder students’ progress in higher education—much like addressing a flat tire can significantly impact a student’s budget. Often, a modest amount of financial support makes all the difference, allowing students to attend classes and continue their education. E3 Alliance has pioneered the country’s first multi-institution regional Emergency Bridge Funds for Central Texas College Attainment Network a collaboration of community organizations, schools, higher education institutions, and others working to help students, especially those underrepresented in higher education, graduate high school, enroll in college, and earn a credential. students, establishing systems to provide grants in real-time as needs arise.
On average, E3 Alliance assists approximately 45 CTXCAN students per semester with an average grant of about $480, facilitating their enrollment in partner higher education institutions. Remarkably, nearly 90% of these students—approximately 85% in the most recent cohort (2021-2022)—return to their studies in the subsequent semester following their Emergency Bridge Fund award. With enhanced financial support services integrated into future iterations of the Emergency Bridge Fund initiative, we believe these students will be even better equipped to persist and complete their degrees with minimal debt.
Moving forward, E3 Alliance remains committed to expanding access to higher education and fostering student success throughout Central Texas.
Contact:
Kaci Kai, Senior Director of Communications
E3 Alliance
512-223-7245
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About E3 Alliance: E3 Alliance is a nationally recognized, data-driven education collaborative and solutions provider based in Central Texas. We work across the state to transform education systems through data and collaboration, so all students succeed. We also work to increase economic mobility and the overall quality of life for our community through education system alignment from pre-K to the workforce. Founded in 2006, we are a leader in collective impact, collaborating with 15 Central Texas school districts, seven higher education institutions, and numerous businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, policy leaders, students, and families.
E3 Alliance Data Portal: https://data.e3alliance.org/
About Lola Wright Foundation: The Foundation’s purpose is to support Children and Youth, Public Health and Human Services, Education and Community Development and Arts and Culture.