North Carolina’s Rowan-Cabarrus Community College announced a $2.7 million donation from local philanthropists, Fred and Alice Stanback. This is the second donation from the Stanbacks – and the largest gift ever to the college from an individual.
The Stanbacks previously donated $1 million to fund the college’s first solar energy project, a 315 kW DC rooftop array. This latest donation will grow that solar energy project on the North Campus. The combined systems will generate roughly two million kWh of clean energy per year and provide an estimated $100,000 for student scholarships and sustainability investments.
When construction is completed, the systems will provide energy equivalent to power 200 homes for a year, and avoid the introduction of roughly 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This will be the largest solar system at any of North Carolina’s community colleges.
“This is more than a sustainable solar voltaic system. Once connected, the income from the energy produced will create an income stream for the college’s foundation that will provide professional development and student scholarship funding for years to come,” President Carol Spalding said. “This is truly the gift that will keep on giving.”
The Stanbacks also have provided $325,000 toward scholarships for Rowan-Cabarrus students.
Colorado
Aims Community College’s Student Emergency Fund increased thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Blue Ocean Foundation.
“This grant will help ensure we can support students while they receive high-quality education and training to become future workers in our community,” Aims President Leah L. Bornstein said.
The grant came on Colorado Gives Day in December. Aims was a partner of the Colorado Gives/Weld County Collaboration along with 30 other nonprofits in the county to encourage residents to support local organizations.
Massachusetts
STCC received a $100,000 donation to help students in construction-related studies. (Photo: STCC)
Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) in Massachusetts will use a $100,000 donation from the Construction Industry Association of Western Massachusetts, Inc., to help students interested in careers in construction.
Most of the funding — $75,000 — will go toward scholarships for students with interest in construction-related studies, which include architecture and building technology and civil engineering technology. The remaining money will help boost STCC’s construction-related programs.
“This generous gift will help our students and our programs stay on the cutting edge of technology,” said Warren Hall, the department chair for architecture and building technology and civil engineering technology.
New York
Cayuga Community College can help more students survive financial emergencies after receiving $55,000 from the Gerstner Family Foundation and the Heckscher Foundation for Children. The funds support the Student Emergency Grant program at Cayuga that is part of a State University of New York (SUNY) pilot program with seven SUNY campuses.
Students can apply for grants to help cover unexpected expenses, which will allow them to focus on school and stay on track toward graduation.
“Many of Cayuga’s students are balancing multiple life priorities while enrolled in college,” said Cayuga President Brian M. Durant. “These emergency grants will be vital to keeping our students enrolled during a time of crisis.”
North Carolina
A donation will help students in CFCC’s wood boat building program. (Photo: CFCC)
Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) received a $3,000 donation to fund an annual scholarship for students in CFCC’s wooden boat building program. The donation came from the organizers of the Southport Wooden Boat Show (SWBS).
“We feel it’s important to encourage the art and craft of wooden boat construction,” said SWBS organizers.
Halifax Community College was awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). With the funding, HCC will build the Advanced Manufacturing and Corporate Training Center, which will house curriculum and short-term training programs for industrial systems technology, welding technology and automotive systems technology. It will also serve as a venue where area businesses and industries can upgrade current employees’ skills and train new hires.
The project is expected to create more than 120 jobs and generate nearly $19 million in private investment.
Virginia
Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) will use a $15,000 donation to help provide educational opportunities to military veterans in the region. The donation comes from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. MECC plans to use the donation to help with scholarships and other services to support veterans at the college.
