Alamance Community College's scholarship initiative receives praise from Governor Cooper

Jordan Massey, Times-News
·2 min read
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Alamance Community College's (ACC) new scholarship initiative garnered praise from Governor Roy Cooper and other prominent figures in the community.

ACC announced the commencement of their Alamance Promise program in a press conference, which will make community college attainable for more local students.

Alamance Promise is a scholarship initiative through which the ACC Foundation will provide donated funds to their students, covering the remainder of their tuition not covered by Federal Pell grants and other state funding.

A pre-recorded message by NC Governor Roy Cooper was displayed during the conference, with Cooper showing his support for the new initiative. In this message, Governor Cooper stated that he has visited the campus "numerous times" over the past few years.

A pre-recorded message by NC Governor Roy Cooper which was presented at ACC's press conference (07/14).
A pre-recorded message by NC Governor Roy Cooper which was presented at ACC's press conference (07/14).

Cooper added that "community colleges are our 'not so secret weapon' when it comes to building a talented workforce and a stronger economy, and preparing people for the jobs of today and tomorrow." The rest of his announcement can be accessed on YouTube.

ACC's President, Dr. Algie Gatewood said that the Alamance Promise program will help with "addressing the belief gap in our community." He said that by addressing this "belief gap," they are "letting families know that college is attainable for their children and for themselves, that college education is within reach."

Other prominent figures spoke during the conference including Kathryn Kyle, Senior Vice President of LabCorp, Jack Overacre, Vice President of IBM-Kyndryl, and Dr. Dain Butler, the Superintendent of Alamance-Burlington Schools.

Dr. Gatewood, ACC President listens to Dr. Butler, ABSS Superintendent speak during ACC's press conference (07/14).
Dr. Gatewood, ACC President listens to Dr. Butler, ABSS Superintendent speak during ACC's press conference (07/14).

According to Kyle, LabCorp has shared a long partnership with the community college over the years since LabCorp is headquartered in Burlington. According to her, highly-trained graduates from programs such as this one have helped LabCorp to become "the epicenter of [our] industry."

She added that “Alamance Promise is key to developing a highly skilled workforce…LabCorp needs access to a roster of qualified graduates and ACC is uniquely positioned to address this need." ACC's press release states that dozens of ACC graduates have gained employment with LabCorp over the years.

Kathryn Kyle, Senior VP at LabCorp reflects on her company's longstanding relationship with ACC.
Kathryn Kyle, Senior VP at LabCorp reflects on her company's longstanding relationship with ACC.

Students interested in accessing ACC's resources can apply to become a part of the Alamance Promise program by completing a few steps:

  1. New students can apply to ACC by filling out an online application on their website. Their website can be accessed at www.alamancecc.edu.

  2. Fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.

  3. Apply to the ACC Foundation for named scholarships.

  4. Complete the RDS (Residency Determination Services) application.

ACC's press release also states that "no Curriculum or Workforce Development student will be denied the ability to attend ACC due to financial need." ACC also will not place restrictions on age, county of residence, or where they received their high school diploma.

This article originally appeared on Times-News: ACC scholarship initiative receives praise from Governor Cooper