A-B Tech Hosts Scholarship Luncheon
The A-B Tech Community College Foundation awarded more than 200 scholarships during its celebration luncheon November 13 at the Crowne Plaza Resort including five scholarships from Wells Fargo.
The Project New Futures Scholarship is the result of a $75,000 grant from Wells Fargo that will be given to the College Foundation to assist displaced workers and single parents. The need-based scholarships to provide tuition are one part of the gift. A portion of the money is used for emergency funds for students who may have a pressing need.
“I had no idea the impact that scholarship would make in these people’s lives. I talked to each one of the recipients of the scholarship. I was amazed at what a difference it made in whether or not they could go to school,” said Kim Plemmons, Regional Sales and Marketing Manager for Wells Fargo.
“With unemployment rates as high as they are and the unfilled need for skilled employees in the workplace, there is a serious need for the Wells Fargo New Futures program,” said Dr. Hank Dunn, A-B Tech President.
“Receiving the Wells Fargo Project New Futures Scholarship for the 2012-2013 school year is first an honor and second a blessing. The scholarship helps me to concentrate on my studies rather than my expenses as I seek retraining and re-education,” said Jerry Moncus, who is studying Mobile Development at A-B Tech.
“I want to develop apps that are useful to members of my generation, the over-50 group. Many members of this group are uncomfortable with technology and do not realize the many benefits it can offer. My goal is to help older people understand and become comfortable and confident with technology and how it can be used to improve their lives.”
The foundation is seeking matching funds to continue the Lavender Fund Scholarship to provide scholarships for single parents. The program provides assistance on an as-needed basis.
The Lavender Fund was established at A-B Tech in 2008 through the generosity of an anonymous donor and the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. “I was part of a team working with a non-profit and in 2009 everything fell apart. College went from a bucket-list item to a necessity,” said Lavender Fund Scholarship recipient Rachelle Sorenson-Cox. “The gift of the Lavender Scholarship has awarded me an opportunity to exhale and take a breath. I will be the first woman in my family to graduate from college.”
