POCAHONTAS, Ark. — Students at Black River Technical College (BRTC) facing financial strain now have access to emergency assistance through the college’s nonprofit, the BRTC Foundation. The aid is intended to help with essential costs like food, gas, and supplies, with students eligible to receive up to $300 per request once per academic year.
College officials describe a growing demand for support as the cost of living pressures persist. According to data from AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in Arkansas is $3.60—down 14 cents from last week but still significantly higher than $2.65 just one year ago. For students like Landon Lee, a senior at Pocahontas High School who is also dual-enrolled at BRTC, these costs add up quickly.
“I work a job right now and my truck, it takes so much gas, and it goes through gas so quick,” Lee said. “So trying to figure out how much I need that week and saving that much and then putting more into my savings for the future.”
Gas cards are among the most frequently requested items, according to Claire Fisher, the college’s communications specialist. Fisher explained that students, particularly those in programs requiring clinical work, have travel-related expenses. Some, she noted, drive long distances, including to Southeast Missouri, underlining their need for gas support.
Last year, the foundation distributed six gas cards to students. This year, that number has climbed dramatically to 26—a fourfold increase. Fisher believes the rise reflects both sustained need and improved awareness of the resource among students.
“A lot of nurses driving to clinicals and stuff, they need gas cards,” Fisher said. “Some of them are going up into Southeast Missouri to all these different places, so they need to be able to get to where they need to go.”
The foundation operates entirely on donations, which limits how much assistance it can provide. Some students voluntarily repay the funds they receive, which aids in sustaining the program. The overarching goal, Fisher explained, is to ensure that essential costs do not prevent students from completing their education.
“We don’t want these students who are here building the knowledge to build their careers, feel like they can’t complete it just because they have a bill that needs to be paid,” Fisher said.
Students seeking financial help can access BRTC Foundation resources through their student dashboard or the student services department.
For additional information, students may contact the BRTC Foundation directly.