PVF RT Magazine August 2025 | Page 10

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Key student demographics across our partner institutions include:

·         70% experience at least one form of basic needs insecurity

·         30% are parents to dependents, with 54% of those being single parents

·         43% are first-generation college students

·         65% work while enrolled

·         57% experience housing insecurity, with 16% reporting homelessness

A 2024 student financial wellness survey revealed that 56% of community college and trade school students in Texas worry about affording monthly living expenses, and 31% have not discussed these concerns with their school.

Scholarships directly reduce these financial pressures, leading to increased academic engagement, course completion, and graduation rates. PVFRT recipients are encouraged to apply to member companies, and our Careers Page at pvf.org serves as a vital connection point between graduates and employers.

How You Can Help:

Every contribution counts. While large donations from organizations like Ferguson Industrial and MRC Global make headlines, it's the collective support from memberships, event sponsorships, and one-time donations that drives our success.

PVFRT hosts several annual events to raise donations, including:

·         Spring Golf Tournament

·         October TroutBlast Fishing Tournament

·         Quarterly Networking Meetings at Bayou City Event Center, Houston

Help us reach our $3 million goal by 2026. Become a member, sponsor an event, or make a company donation. These efforts put students to work and keep our industry strong.

Learn more at pvf.org or contact us at pvfroundtable@pvf.org.