From Southeastern Community College Press Release
Students, friends, family, SCC staff and State Employees’ Credit Union representatives gathered in the SCC auditorium March 14 to recognize SECU scholarship award recipients. The SECU Foundation presented a $18,000 check to Southeastern Community College.
“We are extremely grateful for the funds provided by State Employees’ Credit Union for the ‘People Helping People’ and ‘Bridge to Careers Program’ scholarships,” said Sheila Dockery, SCC Director of Financial Aid. “These funds provided financial assistance for students in our workforce development and curriculum programs.”
Dockery explained that the funding assists SCC students with tuition, fees, supplies and other items included in the cost of attendance. She said the funds are a “great resource” for SCC students, and she expressed gratitude for SCC’s partnership with SECU.
“We look forward to celebrating with State Employees’ Credit Union every year,” said Dr. Sylvia Cox, SCC Executive Vice President. “We know the impacts these scholarships make our students’ lives, and we see it all the time. I am so excited when we can give scholarships to students, and we are grateful to State Employees’ Credit Union for being such a community advocate for us.”
Natasha Villalobos, SCC Financial Aid Specialist, explained that the Bridge to Careers Program was established in 2018 by the SECU Foundation with the objective of aiding a student seeking an industry-recognized credential. This program provided $15,000 divided into 30 scholarships worth $500 each. She said the funds go towards a student’s registration fees, course fees, supplies, credential test, childcare, transportation or any other component that is included in the total cost of attendance.
Villalobos said that each scholarship recipient must be a North Carolina resident and be enrolled in a continuing education course that leads to an industry recognized credential. The recipient must belong to one of the following groups: unemployed, underemployed, member of the N.C. National Guard, a military veteran or spouse of veteran, or member of an underserved population in a specific workforce sector or area.
Sandy Davis, a Nurse Aide I student, served as guest speaker for the award ceremony, and she detailed her journey back to SCC as a SECU Bridge to Career Program scholarship recipient. Davis said her CNA certification expired years prior, and she needed to renew it. As she approached retirement age, Davis decided to enroll at SCC and continue doing what she loved best: helping other people.
“I told my husband that we can’t afford for me to go back right now,” Davis said. “I’m going to go online and apply anyway. You can’t succeed if you don’t try.”
Davis said the scholarship freed her from worrying about finances. In today’s economic climate, she said, it takes two people working in the family to survive and still not be able to afford college.
“And look, I don’t have to pay for nothing. Look at God,” Davis told the audience. “Some people might look at me say ‘$500 ain’t nothing,’ but $500 is a lot if you don’t have it and want to better yourself. It’s like a million dollars, and I am grateful.”
Davis said that renewing her CNA certification was “just a first step” in her path to becoming a licensed practical nurse.
Avylena Stephens, SECU Tabor City Advisory Board Member, recognized the People Helping People award recipients, Tyquareon Mason and Justin Wellons. The award was worth $5,000 each.
Stephens said that SECU was “thrilled to support North Carolina students as they continue their academic journey.” Over the past 20 years, the SECU Foundation has awarded more than $11 million to “help make college more accessible and affordable for students across the state.”
In addition to Stephens, SECU representatives in attendance were Emily Elkins, VP/City Executive of the Whiteville branch; Yolonda Stringfield, VP/City Executive of the Tabor City branch; and Lisa Smith, District SVP in Leland. After the ceremony, the audience enjoyed lunch provided by Delicious D’s in Nesmith Student Center.
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