TODAY'S STUDENTS. TAMPA BAY'S FUTURE.
Imagine the Possibilities.
WHO ARE WE?
We Are the HCC Foundation.
At the heart of your community is a college that provides greater access to education, training and successful careers. It’s a place that empowers individuals and helps power the economy. At the HCC Foundation, we support Hillsborough Community College (HCC) in its mission to deliver affordable educational opportunities that help students become successful, productive citizens.
William A. Gregory, Jr. Foundation
makes matching gift challenge for scholarships
We Build a Stronger Community
HCC is positioned better than virtually any other organization to dramatically impact the economic and social viability of our community. Nearly one-third of high school graduates in Hillsborough County—the nation’s eighth largest school district—enroll in our programs each year.
$1.1B HCC’s annual economic impact
ECONOMY
84% HCC graduates who stay in the community
COMMUNITY
45K Students HCC serves each year
INDIVIDUAL
Changing Lives
Lee Lowry
The Hillsborough Community College District Board of Trustees appointed Ms. Lee Lowry Director of Development for the HCC Foundation, Inc. In her new position with the Foundation, Ms. Lowry will be responsible for expanding the fundraising efforts of the college and increasing awareness of HCC’s impact on the region’s workforce, as well as the stewardship of existing donors. Prior to joining HCC, Ms. Lowry served as the Director of Development... Learn More
Changing Lives
Damon Arnold
In April 2014 HCC student Damon was sleeping—and studying—in his car. After leaving his job to pursue a college degree full-time, Damon eventually lost everything and was homeless for five months. Determined to graduate, he found inspiration from a faculty member who believed in him. "She saw something in me that I didn't see in myself," said Damon. "I learned that, to make it, I had to just keep working... Learn More
Changing Lives
Janet Cruz
Born in Ybor City and raised near West Tampa, Representative Janet Cruz became a mother at the age of 16. Undeterred by her circumstances, she returned to graduate from high school when her daughter was just months old. Soon Cruz enrolled at HCC, where she successfully completed the opticianry program in preparation to support her family. With help from family and friends, she built a successful franchise opticianry business. Later... Learn More
Changing Lives
Shahrzad and Shawn Zamani
Born in Iran, Shahrzad and Shawn Zamani moved with their family to the U.S. in 2012. Soon this dynamic brother-sister duo enrolled at HCC, where they became active, successful students who each made their marks in unique ways. A member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the American Medical Student Association, Shahrzad earned the great honor of serving as the 2016 Commencement speaker.... Learn More
Changing Lives
Emmanuel Smith
When Emmanuel moved to the U.S. from Greece with his family, he wasn't sure if college was right for him. But the moment he attended a class at HCC, Emmanuel's outlook on higher education changed. "Compared to colleges in Europe, HCC offered opportunities to explore different disciplines through electives," said Emmanuel. "I fell in love with biology and decided to make a career of it." After earning an associate degree at... Learn More