Matt Jenkins, a sophomore at Riverland Community College, types in his height, weight, age and sex into a handheld computer and holds it out in front of him.

In seconds he knows his body fat percentage.

This body fat test doesn't require pinching, like previous tests and all students are able to use it during a 50-minute class period because it is not as time-consuming, said Riverland athletic director Lisa Quednow-Bickler.

The technology was made available to all students at Riverland because of a grant from the Riverland Community Foundation.

That foundation has recently merged with the Albert Lea Campus Foundation. Riverland officials said this merger will streamline their fund-raising efforts and provide more scholarship and grant money for students and faculty.

"We are very excited about this opportunity to move forward and create the most opportune fund-raising environment for Riverland Community College faculty, staff and students," said Jerry Adwell, Riverland Community College Foundation board president.

Quednow-Bickler applied for a grant to get the digital body fat tester, a digital blood pressure monitor, a lung capacity tester, computer software for fitness and nutrition plans and a flexibility tester. The total request came to $850.

"It's a small amount that really impacts," Quednow-Bickler said.

About 170 students a semester use the testers in physical education classes, she said. Athletes also use the equipment. Quednow-Bickler said she would not be able to purchase the equipment without the foundation's grant.

"It's a nice option for funding when funding is so short lately. The way the budgets are set up, it's the bare minimum," she said.

Quednow-Bickler said eight or nine departments received grants this past year.

Students also benefit from a number of scholarships, many of which are sponsored by community organizations and businesses.

Melody Johnson, a second-year nursing student, received three $500 nursing scholarships and a $250 general scholarship from the foundation.

"It has been helpful," Johnson said. "With my situation, I didn't know if I would be able to go."

Johnson, of Waseca, has four daughters, but has always wanted to get into nursing. She also thought that if her children saw her earn this degree, it would inspire them.

"They've seen me make it," she said of her daughters ages 19, 18, 11 and 10.

To make ends meet, she works part time at a nursing home in Waseca and runs a small business out of her home. But without the scholarships she wouldn't be able pursue her degree, she said.

Johnson considered another school, but found Riverland more affordable. The staff also seemed more helpful.

She hopes she can repay the foundation's generosity someday.

"I want to give back to the community the way they've done for me," Johnson said. "The foundation is not just the school, it's the people."

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at :mailto:cari.quam@austindailyherald.com