Ten Beaufort County Community College students will learn a new trade for free this fall.
The State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation will provide 10 scholarships to students enrolled in short-term training programs through BCCC’s Division of Continuing Education.
“The Division of Continuing Education is delighted to announce the availability of these scholarships,” said Chet Jarman, vice president of continuing education at BCCC. “I thank the State Employees Credit Union for these scholarships, which will relieve some of the financial burdens for our residents who need that training.”
Jarman said providing short-term training is an important mission of the college. The school offers these nonsemester, noncurriculum classes several times a year. The courses include nurse aide I and II; truck driving; therapeutic massage; health-unit coordinator and pharmacy technician. For most of the programs, $750 would cover the full cost of attending, said Betty Gray, spokeswoman for the college.
“The total cost of the truck-driving program may be more than $750 by the time you get your book, pay your tuition, do your drug test and all that is involved in taking the course, but it should cover the bulk of it,” she said.
To be considered for a scholarship from BCCC, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
• A U.S. citizen and a North Carolina resident living in the college service area of Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell or Washington counties;
• Unemployed or underemployed;
• A member of the N.C. National Guard or a military veteran or the spouse of a military veteran;
• Enrolled in a short-term training program that leads to a state-regulated or industry-recognized credential offered through the Division of Continuing Education;
• Not be a director, employee or family member of an employee of the State Employees Credit Union or SECU Foundation.
Gray said an underemployed person is one who is not working up to their ability or working in a job where they couldn’t make a living wage.
For more information about the scholarships, contact SECU scholarship program coordinator Sue Gurley by telephone at 252-940-6263 or by email at sueg@beaufortccc.edu.