BCCC Foundation Supports Students, College | Eastern NC Now

    Washington, N.C. — Each year, dozens of students at Beaufort County Community College benefit from scholarships offered by the BCCC Foundation, but it does much more.

    Founded in 1984, the Foundation has raised money and provided support for the college in achieving its educational and workforce development goals for more than 30 years. It is a non-profit charitable organization that is separate from the college and has its own Board of Directors comprised of civic and business leaders from throughout BCCC's service area.

    "A lot of people think we're only here to provide scholarships, and that's not the case," says Bill Wall, a member of the BCCC Foundation Board.

    The Foundation also supports the college by helping fund institutional programs, faculty and staff development, and facility improvements. Thanks to a recent fundraising campaign, BCCC's campus will soon feature an electronic sign along Highway 264 that will advertise campus news and events, as well as weather-related closings and hurricane evacuation routes.

    The Foundation raises funds through donations from individuals and businesses in the community, as well as fundraising events and trips throughout the year, including the annual Croquet Tournament and, new this year, a Garden Tour that gave participants an opportunity to tour 14 beautiful gardens throughout Washington and Chocowinity.

    Scholarships are still an important piece of the equation. Currently, the Foundation maintains 53 individual endowments that fund scholarships for BCCC students. These are referred to as restricted funds and are usually established in memory or in honor of a certain person or organization. The funds from these endowments are invested, and the earnings are used to provide scholarships or services for BCCC, as designated by the donor.

    Last year, the Foundation awarded more than $68,000 in scholarships to about 70 students.

    "These students are our future accountants, auto mechanics, business owners, electrical engineers, nurses and teachers," says Foundation Director Serena Sullivan. "Without the generosity of our donors, many of them would not have the opportunity to attend college."

    The importance of higher education cannot be overstated. Students with an Associate's Degree from BCCC, most of whom stay in the region and contribute to its economy, can expect to earn significantly more than workers with only a high-school education. While BCCC represents a significant cost savings compared to a four-year public or private university, many students in Eastern North Carolina still find it difficult to pay for college. The BCCC Foundation serves to help students pay for that education and to ensure that BCCC can provide the best possible college experience.

    Beaufort County Community College is a public comprehensive community college committed to accessible and affordable quality education, effective teaching, relevant training, and lifelong learning opportunities for the people served by the College.