Supporters of the University of the District of Columbia Community College pleaded Thursday with city lawmakers to keep campuses throughout the city open, revolting against the flagship school’s plans to cut costs after years of financial trouble.

“This class is the only thing that keeps me going,” said Terentia Valentine, who was one of the more than 80 students who planned to testify before the D.C. Council Committee on Jobs and Workforce Development. “Please keep these programs in our community where there is a great need among the residents.”