DENVER – The Community College of Denver (CCD) announced a $600,000 gift from the Wana Brands Foundation, which was endowed in 2021 by the CEO of top international cannabis brand, Wana Brands, to create equitable higher education opportunities through the formation of the “Close the Gap” Scholarship Fund and participation in the “Moon Shot for Equity” initiative with the Education Advisory Board (EAB).
The “Close the Gap” Scholarship Fund will provide needs-based financial assistance to deserving CCD students enrolled in its Cannabis Business and Cannabis Science programs, helping to offset costs for tuition, books, and other fees. The Wana Brands Foundation will contribute a total of $150,000 to the scholarship fund throughout the next three to five years. Seven students have been announced as the Fall 2023 recipients of the scholarship fund, with additional funding opening up in Spring and Fall 2024.
“Our partnership with the Wana Brands Foundation is a transformative alliance that underscores our unwavering commitment to equitable education,” stated CCD President Marielena DeSanctis, Ph.D. “We sought a like-minded partner to form a collaboration that is about more than financial support; it’s about shared dedication to making a real impact, breaking down barriers, and opening doors to industries and opportunities once out of reach. Together, we’re creating a path toward a brighter, more inclusive future.”
Additionally, the Wana Brands Foundation will contribute $450,000 over three years in support of CCD’s participation in the “Moon Shot for Equity” initiative. Created in 2021, the program brings together colleges and universities to work on addressing traditional barriers to entry, including financial aid, enrollment, and registration processes to eliminate the equity gap at two- and four-year institutions by 2030. Funds will provide training, support research, and develop best practices to increase equity in enrollment, retention, curriculum, and advising for academic programs. CCD is committed to deploying the 15 best practices and policies from the Moon Shot initiative that are proven to substantially boost equity and be mutually beneficial to students. CCD is currently completing year two of the five year Moon Shot program.
“Together, we are forging a path towards a brighter future for residents in the Denver Metro Area, marked by equitable access and boundless opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds,” said Nancy Whiteman, CEO at the Wana Brands Foundation. “We feel it is incumbent to support education and provide support to the institutions working to empower those who wish to break generational cycles and improve their trajectory.”
CCD serves a diverse student population and is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. Currently, more than a quarter of the student population is Latinx, more than 50% self-identify as underrepresented, and international students represent more than 40 nations.
The cannabis sector is growing rapidly, with a current market value of $13.2 billion and 40 U.S. states legalizing cannabis in some form. CCD was the first higher education institution in Colorado to offer cannabis degrees. The college offers an Associate of Applied Science in Cannabis Business and Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Cannabis Science and Operations as well as three short-term non-credit certificates in Cannabis Retail, Cannabis Manufacturing and Cannabis Cultivation.
The “Close the Gap” Scholarship Fund will open applications for the Fall 2024 semester in late November, with a May 15, 2024 application deadline. Interested candidates can go to look at the Wana Brands Foundation “Close the Gap” Scholarship listed online under the CCD Foundation Scholarships to learn more, or email [email protected] for more information.
To learn more about CCD’s participation in the EAB “Moon Shot for Equity” initiative, visit www.ccd.edu/leadingequity.
About Community College of Denver
Community College of Denver (CCD) is a leading point of entry to higher education for the city and county of Denver. CCD provides cost-effective, high-quality college education, along with access and opportunity for non-traditional students, workforce development, training resources for local organizations, and community partnerships. CCD is a federally funded Hispanic Serving and designated Military Friendly Institution. Learn more at ccd.edu.
About The Wana Brands Foundation
Established in 2021 by Wana Brands CEO Nancy Whiteman, The Wana Brands Foundation (WBF) is a nonprofit organization working to enhance our world by providing funding and other support for a wide range of charitable initiatives. The WBF mission is focused on providing life essentials to communities all over the world. To learn more, visit wanabrandsfoundation.org.
