RALEIGH, N.C.–The member-funded SECU Foundation has introduced a new scholarship program in partnership with the North Carolina Community College System – the SECU Bridge to Career Program. The educational initiative is an enhanced version of the Foundation’s former Continuing Education scholarship, and strives to help remove financial roadblocks for unemployed and underemployed students seeking careers with sustainable wages in their local communities through attendance in an NC Community College workforce development program, SECU said.
The SECU Bridge to Career Program has two-tiers, a Cohort Pilot and Workforce Development scholarships. The Cohort Pilot provides 20 community colleges with up to 30 $500 scholarships, as well as up to $3,000 in funding per program year for a designated college staff member to navigate scholarship recipients through the educational process, from choosing a defined career pathway to class registration and job placement.
The second tier, Workforce Development, provides 38 participating community colleges with up to six $500 scholarships per program year for individuals either currently enrolled or enrolling in an eligible short-term training program that leads to state-regulated or industry-recognized credentials.
“SECU members understand the importance and impact that continuing education has made for so many North Carolinians – it’s an important part of the Foundation’s ‘People Helping People’scholarship program,” said Jama Campbell, SECU Foundation Executive Director. “We’re very excited about enhancements that have been made in the transition to the SECU Bridge to Career Program, further helping our state and its citizens as they work to build a better economic future for themselves and their families.”