Removing Barriers: Berrien Community Foundation Announces Emergency Book Fund for Lake Michigan College Students

Benton Harbor, MI. - Students at Lake Michigan College facing severe financial hardship and having difficulty purchasing books for classes have received a major boost with a contribution from the Berrien Community Foundation.

The Berrien Community Foundation is making a $50,000 contribution to create an emergency book fund for the 2025-26 school year. “With the help of generous donors who are dedicated to removing barriers to student success, we are able to work with Lake Michigan College to help financially struggling students with books and materials they need,” said Berrien Community Foundation President Lisa Cripps-Downey. “At BCF we are always looking for ways to help our community. Partnering with LMC to prepare our residents for success in the workforce is a wonderful way to help.”

“Research shows that students who have materials early on in their academic journey have higher completion rates and do better in class,” stated Lake Michigan College Vice President of Community Impact Doug Schaffer. “We appreciate the efforts of the Berrien Community Foundation for this gift and their support of LMC students through the years. We are fortunate to live in an area that supports the important work this Foundation does every day,” Schaffer added.

LMC students wishing to take advantage of the emergency book fund can apply online at lakemichigancollege.edu/mylmc/student-affairs/ssf. Students can also e-mail Susan Eastman at seastman@lakemichigancollege.edu with questions.

The Berrien Community Foundation is a center of philanthropy in Berrien County holding endowments and other funds to support programs and projects throughout Berrien County. These Community Foundation funds support the ever-changing needs of Berrien County now and into the future. With more than $100 million in assets, the Foundation provides grants and scholarships, and works with donors to help them meet their charitable goals through current giving, estate planning and life-end gifts. For information about BCF call (269) 983-3304 or visit berriencommunity.org.

Lake Michigan College is a comprehensive community college serving Southwest Michigan since 1946. With locations in Benton Harbor, Niles, South Haven, and Allegan, LMC offers more than 80 academic programs. The college serves approximately 4,000 students annually and is committed to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education that transforms lives and strengthens communities. For more information, visit lakemichigancollege.edu.