LAURENS, S.C. — Laurens County Development Corporation (LCDC) recently donated $15,000 to the Piedmont Technical College Foundation to create an endowment that will benefit students from Laurens County.
The recent donation and future contributions will allow the endowment to offer financial support for “non-traditional” students – those typically 22 years of age or older who began higher education after delaying enrollment.
To qualify, students must be enrolled at Piedmont Technical College (PTC) for a minimum of six credit hours in one of the following programs: Electronic Engineering Technology, Engineering Design Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Machine Tool Technology, Mechatronics Technology or Welding.
LCDC seeks to build prosperity in Laurens County through collaborative efforts that drive business growth in key industries
“A qualified workforce is huge for what we do,” said LCDC President and CEO Jonathan Coleman. He said PTC is his group’s “top partner” in providing a “talent pipeline.”
“We thought it best to put our money where our mouth is and start the scholarship program and help somebody in this county go to Piedmont Tech and better their career,” Coleman said.
LCDC officials presented the $15,000 check to PTC Associate Vice President for Advancement Jacki Berkshire.
"We are deeply grateful to Laurens County Development Corporation for creating this scholarship, which opens vital doors for non-traditional students,” Berkshire said. “Whether someone is returning to college to upskill or stepping onto campus for the very first time, this gift provides the life-changing opportunity to redefine their future and prove it is never too late to invest in higher education."
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About Piedmont Technical College:
Piedmont Technical College (PTC) is a comprehensive two-year college offering hands-on training in the latest technologies and exacting skill sets that are most sought after by employers in our region. PTC contributes to the economic growth and development of the largest region of the South Carolina Technical College System, including Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, Newberry, and Saluda counties, generating an annual economic impact of $349 million. Throughout the region, PTC serves around 8,500 students annually. For more information, visit www.ptc.edu
MORE about the LCDC here.
