Matt Calabria, Director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), visited McDowell Technical Community College to discuss state-funded emergency grants and scholarships. These programs are aimed at assisting students affected by Hurricane Helene. According to Calabria, “After Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, students faced a major disruption to their studies.” He noted that the students he met showed resilience and highlighted efforts to alleviate financial burdens through these state-funded initiatives.
Dr. James “J.W.” Kelley, President of McDowell Technical Community College, emphasized the broader impact of these investments: “This investment didn’t just help individuals—it strengthened our entire campus community to Learn, Grow, and Dream, ensuring that local employers can continue to count on a skilled, resilient workforce.”
The emergency grant and scholarship programs were established to provide financial support for students in the North Carolina Community College System, UNC System, and private institutions. Over $48 million in state funds have been allocated for this purpose, with nearly half supporting community college students.
Approximately 20,725 community college students from western North Carolina or studying in the region benefited from nearly $23 million in grants and scholarships. These funds helped cover tuition fees and emergency expenses essential for continuing education.
