The number of scholarship applications received by the Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Foundation far exceeds the number of scholarships the foundation has funds to award.
In response to this overwhelming need, the OCtech Foundation has launched Funding Futures, an annual giving campaign directed to scholarships for students. The goal of this campaign is to raise $75,000.
“Foundation scholarships make a difference in the lives of many of our students,” said Faith McCurry, the foundation’s executive director. “We have a diverse student population. Some of our students are the first in their family to attend college, while others have families to support and are juggling the demands of school, family and a job.”
“Often, students lack the funds they need to pay for tuition, books and other school-related expenses,” she continued. “Many have told us that the scholarships they received through the foundation made it possible for them to complete their educations and begin careers that will provide for a better way of life for them and their families.”
The OCtech Foundation was established in 1977 to further the educational aims of the college, its students and its employees. In addition to student scholarships, the foundation provides financial support for capital improvements on campus, professional development for faculty and staff and projects undertaken by the college. The foundation is governed by a board of directors. Currently serving as board chair is Cathy Hughes.
For the second year, the foundation has supported an iPad Integration Project that brings mobile technology into the classroom by purchasing iPads for student use and assisting with providing training for instructors to learn how to incorporate mobile technology into their lessons. The foundation also regularly supports faculty and staff by providing funding for tuition reimbursement, classroom needs and special projects.
McCurry said the community can aid the nonprofit organization’s work by contributing financially to the foundation and supporting its annual fundraising events.
“Scholarships, gifts to the annual fund, memorials and honorarium gifts are avenues that individuals may use to contribute to the foundation,” she said. “Donations may also be designated for specific purposes or programs-old-old-old-old.”
“Individuals may show their support by attending these events,” McCurry said. “Individual and corporate sponsors are also sought for both events.”
For more information about the OCtech Foundation, call McCurry at 803-535-1230.
