ASHEBORO – Randolph Community College recognized 19 students as recipients of the Credit Union Employees Foundation Bridge to Career Scholarships during a ceremony held Sept. 25 at the Martha Luck Comer Foundation Conference Center.
“Economic barriers should never be the reason a student fails to reach their full potential,” said RCC President/CEO Shah Ardalan. “Because of the SECU Foundation’s long-standing commitment to Randolph Community College, our students can move forward with confidence – focusing on building the real skills that lead to real careers. This partnership removes financial barriers and creates pathways to opportunity, growth and transformation for students, families and the entire community.”
Student medical administrative assistant and scholarship recipient Renee Harvey told the audience, “This moment means more to me than words can say.”
“Thank you to everyone at RCC for paving the way and laying the foundation for where I am now and where I’m going and the SECU Foundation for giving me a chance to be something bigger than what my dreams could have painted. Your generosity doesn’t support education, it also fuels dreams,” she said.
Funded by the SECU Foundation, Bridge to Career Scholarships helps remove financial barriers for adults pursuing short-term, state-regulated or industry-recognized credentials that lead to jobs with sustainable wages. The program is available at all 58 community colleges in North Carolina and offers $500 scholarships to eligible students at each campus.
The scholarship recipients, with their field of study, are: Sonia Alverado, medical administrative assistant; Lacey Bennett, medical administrative assistant; Dalia Caceres, phlebotomy; Jessica Campbell, medical administrative assistant; Haydee Campuzano Martinez, medical administrative assistant; Zachary Chriscoe, small engine mechanics; Mandy Coppley, medical administrative assistant; Taylor Gardner, emergency medical technician; Brittany Harrison, medical administrative assistant; Renee Harvey, medical administrative assistant; Jenny Jensen, Pharmacy Tech; Krystal Latham, phlebotomy; Stella Mercedes, medical coding; Lucia Morales Tapia, medical administrative assistant; Kayce Olvey, medical coding; Jody Perez-Vazquez, small engine; Kristy scales, phlebotomy; Michelle Smith, medical administrative assistant; and Jessica Vazquez, medical administrative assistant.
