Tri-C Announces $1 Million Gift From Medical Mutual To Launch Resilient Scholar Fund

Fund will help students facing financial hardships overcome challenges and remain on track

CLEVELAND — To remove the unexpected, non-tuition barriers that often derail students' dreams, the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) Foundation announced a $1 million donation from the Medical Mutual Charitable Gift Fund to help launch the Resilient Scholar Fund.

Announced during the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon on Sept. 24, the fund will provide targeted financial support to help students overcome these challenges before they become emergencies and stay on track to graduate.

Research shows students who complete a degree or certificate at a community college have more career opportunities, higher earning potential and greater economic security. Degree completion also provides students with a steppingstone to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree.

"Too many Tri-C students face a hard choice: stay enrolled or cover basic life expenses," said Howard Lewis, chairperson of the Tri-C Foundation board of directors. "Food insecurity, housing instability, transportation, child care costs and other circumstances can strain a student's budget, forcing them to pause or abandon their education."

Achieving students at risk of non-completion will be eligible for this strategic assistance to address non-tuition financial hardships. Recipients will receive financial planning and budgeting guidance and be connected to other benefits and services.

The Resilient Scholar Fund will prioritize students enrolled in programs that prepare them for high-demand industries, such as health careers, nursing, information technology, manufacturing and public safety. In this way, the fund will not only reduce barriers to degree completion but also support the regional economy through workforce development in critical fields.

"This fund focuses on supporting students beyond the classroom," said Tony Helton, president and CEO of Medical Mutual. "As the hometown health insurer, we've seen firsthand how Tri-C empowers individuals to lead and contribute meaningfully to our region's workforce. Every dollar invested with Tri-C is a step toward a stronger, more resilient community. We're proud to deepen our longstanding partnership through this contribution to the Resilient Scholar Fund."

Recent surveys of Tri-C students reveal that:

• 74% have financial difficulties
• 61% would have difficulty finding $500 in emergency cash or credit
• 54% have challenges finding and keeping affordable, safe and quality housing
• 19% have been without a home in the past 12 months
• 49% were food insecure

"Tri-C and Medical Mutual share a commitment to serving the community and fostering a vibrant and healthy future for Northeast Ohio," said Tri-C President Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D. "This shared vision drives our collaboration and emphasizes the impact of exceptional education and workforce development on individual lives as well as the regional economy." 

Transformational Support

Medical Mutual's philanthropic partnership with Tri-C has empowered student success and workforce development across Northeast Ohio. Through initiatives like the Medical Mutual Nursing and Health Careers Endowed Scholarship Fund, the Medical Mutual Workforce Training Scholarship Fund, as well as contributions to support students' basic needs, the company has helped hundreds of students pursue high-demand fields while addressing critical needs such as food, housing, transportation, and technology.

Their support also helped establish the Western Campus Food Pantry, expanding access to essential food resources and fostering a more equitable and resilient community.

September 25, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu