During its 28th annual scholarship ceremony this past week, the Three Rivers College Foundation bestowed more than $415,000 in scholarships to more than 150 students.

The scholarships were awarded to help support 152 students as they continue their studies in the fall semester or enroll in summer courses that help expedite their paths to graduation. Many students were in need of financial help this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Betty Baillargeon, director of institutional advancement for the college.

“Many of our most vulnerable students have been greatly impacted by the recent crisis of COVID-19, and, now more than ever, students need this financial assistance to receive the education they are working so hard to achieve,” Baillargeon said in a statement.

The foundation, a nonprofit organization, “is committed to removing financial barriers for students such as tuition, books, fees, online learning codes, and technology,” she said.

The scholarships were awarded during a virtual ceremony on May 25.