Greenville Tech Foundation Promises a Big Boost for Students with Giving Day on Dec. 5!
Hey, Greenville! Mark your calendars because something big is happening on December 5th! The Greenville Tech Foundation is back with its second annual Giving Day, and it’s your chance to make a difference in the lives of college students right here in our town. Let’s take a closer look at what this big day is all about and how you can help!
A Day to Give Back
This isn’t just any ordinary fundraising event. The Giving Day is all about reaching out, learning more about the remarkable programs at Greenville Technical College, and, most importantly, lending a hand to students who could use a little extra support. Last year, the foundation surpassed its goal of $50,000 by raising an impressive $76,000. What an incredible achievement! This year, they aim to do it all over again, and they are counting on community members like you to help them out. Ann Wright, the Vice President for Advancement at the Greenville Technical College Foundation, shares, “We want to raise awareness and let people know that a gift of any size is important and goes a long way. It’s not all about big checks.” Isn’t that a refreshing perspective?
More Than Just Scholarships
Did you know that in the past eight years, the foundation has raised over an astounding $25 million? That’s right! This goes directly toward scholarships and other essential support for students. Just last academic year, they helped over 1,000 students with scholarships amounting to more than $1 million. Imagine how many lives that changed!
But here’s the twist! Scholarships aren’t the only thing students need. Many face challenges that go beyond tuition and textbooks. J. David Sudduth, Chair of the foundation’s Board of Directors, says, “The vast majority of our students are in a transition. Life gets in the way – or tries to get in the way – of their education.” The foundation has established programs that help students with unexpected emergencies, offering vital assistance for issues like rent and utility bills.
A Bench of Help Through the Emergency Fund
Wright explains that this year, the foundation used $86,000 from its emergency fund to help 88 students. “We can keep a student from stopping their studies, help them get past that emergency, and stem the tide of future emergencies,” she said. This is truly a lifeline for many students juggling jobs and families while trying to achieve their educational goals.
A Remarkable Impact on the Community
What’s even more exciting is how giving back to education loop backs to our community. As Wright puts it, “For every dollar Greenville Technical College invests in a student’s education, the student sees a return of $7.80 in higher future earnings.” And guess what? Many graduates choose to stay in the area, helping our economy flourish.
To make things even sweeter, a generous donor, Adriana Grant, is matching gifts up to $22,000 on Giving Day in memory of her brother. So, every dollar you contribute could mean double the impact!
Innovative Programs and Support
There are exciting programs like the African American Male Scholars Initiative, which has transformed the lives of participating students. Originally starting with just 30 participants, it has grown to 400! With less than $2,000 per student a year for various sustained support, these young men are exceeding academic performance expectations. Isn’t it wonderful to witness such progress?
Don’t Miss Out on Giving Day
As we look ahead to future innovations within Greenville Technical College, sunshine is on the horizon! The college will welcome its new president in 2025, which is bound to bring fresh ideas and excitement. The college has come a long way, and it’s not the same institution many might remember from years past.
So, if you want to be part of something special that uplifts students and strengthens the community, join the Greenville Tech Foundation on December 5th for Giving Day! Whether you drop a dollar or give more generously, it all counts. Let’s support our aspiring students and make Greenville a better place for everyone. Ready to dive in? Check out more at www.greenvilletechgiving.com.
Let’s show how much Greenville cares!
