In South Carolina, Aiken Technical College’s (ATC) radiation protection technology students have new equipment to prepare them for the workforce thanks to a $5,000 grant from Savannah River Remediation (SRR). The college purchased a stretch scope, video camera and tripod, a glove bag and a replacement radioactive needle source.
“The equipment for this program is so expensive that every bit helps significantly,” said Raghunath Kanakala, dean of technical education.
ATC has had a long-standing partnership with SRR, which is one of the major employers of the college’s radiation protection technology graduates.
California
Former Cuyamaca College President Sam Ciccati (Photo: GCCCD)
The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District is celebrating a $1 million gift from former Cuyamaca College President Sam Ciccati. It’s the largest gift ever received by the college district. Ciccati will fund the donation over 10 years, creating an endowment. Funds will provide scholarships and other financial assistance to Cuyamaca students.
“I hope with this gift there will be students who would never get to college who will now get to go,” Ciccati said. “Then they’ll be successful and pass this on to the next generation.”
In recognition of the gift, the performing arts center at Cuyamaca College will be known as the Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center, and the theater will be called the Samuel M. Ciccati Theatre.
District Chancellor Cindy L. Miles noted that Ciccati’s gift will complement the Grossmont & Cuyamaca College Promise scholarship, which will offer a free year of college to first-time, full-time students beginning this fall.
“We’re thrilled that Dr. Ciccati is once again showing his commitment to the East County community through this generous gift,” Miles said. “He will be changing the lives of thousands of students and their families.”
Minnesota
Leech Lake Tribal College received a $42,000 grant from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The grant will help to purchase a vehicle that will allow the college to deliver more off-campus educational and support services to students.
“This grant assistance comes to us at a time of great need, and it is with our deepest appreciation that we accept this gift and put it to great use as we will be able to further engage our students in educational, cultural and sporting events,” President Pat Broker said in a release.
Missouri
Crowder College’s new partnership with 3M came with a $117,051 donation. The partnership is designed to help expand technical education pathways. The college will use the funds to develop the skills and knowledge of both high school instructors and students in automation and mechatronics combining electronics and mechanical engineering.
“Crowder College is excited to partner with 3M to provide local school districts the ability to experience hands-on training as well as build career pathways in manufacturing,” said Melissa Smith, director of concurrent enrollment and regional centers at Crowder College.
The partnership was made possible through the 3M Manufacturing and Academic Partnership (MAP) program and 3M Cares Scholarship.
Tennessee
Cleveland State Community College (CSCC) student Christian Yoder will benefit from a donation by the Harry S. Truman Club, which recently presented a $1,000 nursing scholarship to Yoder, through the CSCC Foundation. The gift for the Lily Robinson Nursing Scholarship is given annually in memory of the daughter of a club member Steve Robinson, a CSCC supporter and former member of the CSCC Foundation board.
Texas
Houston Community College (HCC) students interested in cybersecurity careers will benefit from a $4.4 million grant to Texas A&M University from the National Science Foundation. HCC and Texas A&M will partner on the Cyber Leader-Scholars Program, which will combine the academic experience at both institutions to develop and mentor a group of students over five years. In return for the scholarships, which include generous stipends, the students will work for a government agency for a period equal to the length of the scholarship.
Virginia
The state of Virginia recently donated firefighting equipment to Dabney S. Lancaster Community College’s forestry program.
Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (DSLCC) received a wildland firefighting bulldozer and transportation truck from the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). The equipment, which has been retired from firefighting service, will enhance the school’s forestry training program.
“We value the next generation of forestry professionals and see this gift as an investment in the future of the forestry sector, and, hopefully, the VDOF workforce,” Virginia State Forester Rob Farrell said.
DSLCC has the only accredited two-year forestry program in Virginia.
“As we continue the work of training the next generation, it is encouraging to know that the Commonwealth recognizes the significant impact of the DSLCC forestry program on the state’s economy, as well as our own regional and local economy,” said DSLCC President John Rainone.
