SYLVA In order to help unemployed area residents get a fresh start, Wells Fargo has donated $7,700 to Southwestern Community College.
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| Maggie Melton (second from right) of Wells Fargo recently presented a $7,700 check to Southwestern Community College to help multiple students attend occupational workforce and economic development programs this fall. SCC officials pictured with Melton are, from left: Dr. Thom Brooks, vice president for instruction and student services; Sonja Haynes, dean of workforce and economic development; and Scott Sutton, director of occupational training. |
The grant, which was secured following an application submitted by SCC’s Sonja Haynes, will allow multiple students to attend occupational training programs through the college’s workforce and economic development department.
“This fits perfectly with the vision and values of Wells Fargo,” said Leslie Hayes, regional president for Triad West Community Banking. “Our foundation has designated education as one of our primary focus areas. We realize that education is one of the most important investments we can make in our country’s future.”
Scholarship recipients can enroll in a variety of SCC’s occupational training programs, including professional office management.
“Considering our service area’s high unemployment rate, it’s not just enough to provide training,” said Haynes, who is SCC’s dean of workforce and economic development. “Many of our students are among the long-term unemployed and have used up their unemployment eligibility. When you’re in that position, even a small registration fee would be difficult. That’s why SCC is always looking for ways to help pay the tuition; we want to help our students get the training they need to get back in the workforce.”
For more information about Southwestern’s workforce and economic development programs, contact Haynes (339-4218 or shaynes@southwesterncc.edu) or visit www.southwesterncc.edu.
