Greenville Tech Foundation Appeals to Community for Giving Day on December 5th
Greenville is buzzing with excitement as the Greenville Tech Foundation prepares for its upcoming Giving Day on December 5th. This event aims to lift up college students who need a little extra support, making it a perfect opportunity for the community to come together and make a difference.
Last Year’s Success
Last year’s Giving Day surpassed expectations, raising over $76,000, well beyond the initial goal of $50,000—a tribute to the foundation’s 50th anniversary. Ann Wright, Vice President for Advancement, is optimistic about repeating that success this year. “We want to raise awareness,” she says, “and let people know that a gift of any size is important and goes a long way. It’s not all about big checks.”
A Community Effort
The foundation is a nonprofit organization that relies on its donors to help support the college and its students. In fact, over the past eight years, they’ve amassed more than $25 million in cash, pledges, gifts-in-kind, and planned gifts. Giving Day is a remarkable chance for anyone, regardless of the donation amount, to contribute to the cause.
This year, one particularly generous donor, Adriana Grant, is stepping up to match gifts up to $22,000 on Giving Day in memory of her brother. This kind of initiative shows how deeply personal and impactful the foundation’s mission truly is.
Record-Breaking Support for Students
Scholarships are at the heart of the foundation’s mission, and they have made significant strides in this area. “We have almost doubled the number of endowed scholarships in the last eight or nine years,” Wright proudly shares. This year alone, they helped over 1,000 students with more than $1 million in scholarships—an impressive feat given that the college has around 12,000 enrolled students.
Meeting Real-World Needs
However, the foundation realizes that scholarships don’t cover everything. The typical student at Greenville Tech faces unique challenges that differ from those in a traditional four-year college setting. J. David Sudduth, Chair of the foundation’s Board of Directors, emphasizes this, stating, “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.”
Sudduth, himself a former student who transitioned from a naval background, has deep insights into the struggles many face. “Many of our students are working and going to school at the same time. We needed a program for students to get past emergencies that might stop them from continuing their education,” Wright explains.
Effective Support Programs
This year, the foundation allocated $86,000 from their emergency fund to support 88 students who faced challenges like past-due rent and utility bills. As Wright puts it, “We can keep a student from stopping their studies, help them get past that emergency, and stem the tide of future emergencies.”
Career Opportunities Abound
The college doubles as a springboard to rewarding careers. Wright notes that for every dollar invested in student education, the anticipated return is a staggering $7.80 in future earnings. “Graduates not only gain economic mobility, but 80% of them stay in the area, contributing positively to the local economy,” she adds.
An Engaging Community Initiative
The African American Male Scholars Initiative launched in 2019 has been another remarkable aspect of the foundation’s growth. Originally starting with just 30 participants, it now boasts 400. This initiative aims to support Black men, helping them improve their academic performance while creating a sense of community and accountability.
Innovative Future Ahead
Looking into the future, Greenville Technical College will be undergoing a major change in leadership, welcoming a new president in 2025. Dr. Keith Miller, who has served since 2008, will be retiring. This change marks a potential new chapter for the college, which has worked tirelessly to adapt and grow over the years.
“It’s important to remind folks that Greenville Tech has continued to innovate,” Sudduth says, describing the college’s evolution over the years. Wright echoes this sentiment, declaring, “You’re lifting up the whole community when you support Greenville Technical College.”
Join the Cause
If you’re feeling inspired to make a difference, mark your calendars for December 5th! You can learn more and donate by visiting their website at www.greenvilletechgiving.com. Every contribution counts, no matter how big or small. Together, we can support the students who are shaping the future of our community!
