SECU provides the Bridge to Career scholarships in the amount of $500 for 30 students at each of the 58 community colleges across the state. JSCC received a check for $18,000 for the 2025-26 school year.
SECU provides the Bridge to Career scholarships in the amount of $500 for 30 students at each of the 58 community colleges across the state. JSCC received a check for $18,000 for the 2025-26 school year.
On Wednesday, August 27, James Sprunt Community College Foundation Director, Taylor Sandlin, hosted a special ceremony to honor the two outstanding recipients of the People Helping People Scholarship and to accept funding for the Bridge to Career scholarships for the upcoming school year.
Leadership from Continuing Education, the Foundation, and JSCC President Dr. Jay Carraway were all in attendance. The heartfelt turnout reflected the college’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers and empowering students through scholarship opportunities.
The State Employees Credit Union (SECU), a long-time partner and supporter of the JSCC Foundation, was represented by:
Also in attendance was Dr. Andrew Gardner, Associate Vice President of Workforce Strategies with the N.C. Community College System.
“There is so much positive energy on our campus right now,” said Dr. Carraway. “I hope you see the strides we are making in Workforce Development. We are especially proud of our new Workforce Development Center. The bones are up, and we are excited to complete that project, making room for even more students in the future!”
A passionate believer in student empowerment, Carraway expressed his deep gratitude for the support that made the day possible.
“Thank you all for being here. We appreciate everything you do for JSCC. It truly takes everyone working together to make things happen for our students. Sometimes it’s something as small as a flat tire or fifty dollars that can derail someone’s education. We appreciate your partnership in helping close the gap.”
Representing SECU, Kenny Barrett presented this year’s scholarships. The SECU Foundation provides scholarships annually to both high school graduates and community college students across the state. Their statewide initiative awards 116 two-year scholarships each year (People Helping People), valued at up to $5,000 each, through all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.
This represents a $580,000 investment annually in the future of North Carolina students.
For workforce development, SECU also provides the Bridge to Career scholarships in the amount of $500 for 30 students at each of the 58 community colleges across the state. JSCC received a check for $18,000 for the 2025-26 school year.
This year’s proud scholarship recipients are:
Though last year’s recipients of the Bridge to Career scholarships were unable to attend, the JSCC Foundation shared a touching slideshow of the students who received this funding in the 2024-25 school year. These recipients are now thriving in the workforce, a testament to the lasting impact of the program.
Taylor Sandlin expressed gratitude for SECU’s continued support.
“We are so thankful for the opportunities SECU has provided, especially for our Lineworker and CDL students who are stepping directly into the workforce to provide for their families and communities,” said Sandlin.
Gloria Wiggins, Associate Vice President of Workforce Development and Continuing Education, emphasized the long-standing impact of this scholarship.
“For the past 15 years, this scholarship has opened doors for students who may not be pursuing a degree, but who need the skills to work and support their families. It truly is life-changing,” said Wiggins.
Faith Belcher, SECU Foundation SVP Program Officer, explained the broader vision behind SECU’s commitment.
“Our board approves about $8 million annually in educational funding through scholarships and internships, all right here in North Carolina. Community colleges are at the heart of that mission. They allow us to reach more citizens than we ever could through high school scholarships alone. With every North Carolinian living within 30 minutes of a community college, this partnership is uniquely positioned to impact lives. We are grateful for JSCC’s partnership and hospitality today,” said Belcher.
Jazmine Stevenson, Program Officer for the SECU Foundation, oversees both the People Helping People and Bridge to Career programs. She praised JSCC’s dedication to students, stating, “JSCC does an incredible job of maximizing every opportunity we provide. You always ensure that students receive the funding available, whether through scholarships or Bridge to Career support. We couldn’t ask for a better partner, and we’re excited to continue this collaboration.”
As JSCC continues its mission of helping students achieve their educational and career goals, partnerships like the one with SECU remain vital, proving that when a community comes together, students’ dreams truly become possible.
Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.
We recommend switching to one of the following browsers:
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Account processing issue – the email address may already exist
Sign up with
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Invalid password or account does not exist
Sign in with
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Secure transaction. Secure transaction. Cancel anytime.
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
A receipt was sent to your email.
