When the countdown began for Chattanooga State’s annual Give Day, the community was ready for liftoff. What followed was a true moonshot, proving once again that no one succeeds alone. 

Timed with the historic launch of Artemis II, this year’s Give Day set out to launch bright futures and raised a record-breaking $133,018, surpassing its goal of $125,000 to break down barriers to student success. 

This April, 279 gifts from donors across the campus and community joined forces to support four key priority areas: the Student Health Clinic, the Helping Hands Fund, Tiger Cupboard, and SkillsUSA. These investments advance student wellness, address emergency needs, limit food insecurity, and expand opportunities for skills and leadership development. 

“No student succeeds alone. It takes a community standing behind each individual's education, personal development, health, and wellness,” said Suzanne Harris, Coordinator of College Advancement. “Hundreds of loyal supporters came together this Give Day to invest in our students. Their generosity allows us to take meaningful steps toward removing the barriers that might hold students back from reaching their full potential.”   

For many ChattState students, success depends on more than academics. Challenges such as hunger, limited access to healthcare, and sudden financial hardships can stand in the way of achieving their goals.  

The Student Health Clinic offers free care to students 18 and older. Gifts to this fund ensure ongoing access to basic healthcare, helping students stay healthy and in school. The Helping Hands Fund provides emergency aid up to $500 for students facing financial hardships that might otherwise derail their education. In 2025, the fund helped 94 students with over $37,000 in aid. 

SkillsUSA prepares career and technical students for success through competitive skills and leadership events, networking, and travel opportunities. The Tiger Cupboard Fund supports an on-campus food pantry to provide short-term emergency help to those who struggle with food insecurity. Each of these areas received a boost thanks to leadership matching gifts from Unum, the Tucker Foundation, the Beacon Foundation, and two anonymous donors for a combined total of $101,500 to help the ChattState Foundation reach and exceed its fundraising goal.   

At the heart of Give Day 2026 is a shared mission to help students go further.  By removing barriers, whether it’s providing a tank of gas, a medical checkup, a bag of groceries, or the chance to compete on a national stage, students gain momentum. Every gift makes a difference.

This mission is complete, but the next launch is already on the calendar. Save the date: ChattState Give Day blasts off Wednesday, April 7, 2027.