Amid the lingering aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a beacon of support shines for students at McDowell Technical Community College. Matt Calabria, Director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), visited the institution to highlight a critical lifeline provided by the state—emergency tuition grants and scholarships designed to help those affected by the storm continue their academic pursuits. According to the official release from the Governor’s Office, over 45,000 students have already benefited from this generous state-funded support.
"After Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, students faced a major disruption to their studies," Calabria expressed during his visit, shedding light on the realities these students grapple with daily. The assistance to date has been substantial, channeling more than $48 million in state funds toward emergency grants and scholarships, almost half earmarked for community college students like those at McDowell Tech. This, move demonstrates a tangible commitment by the state to not only individual futures, but also to the collective rebound of a resilient community, as noted by the Governor’s Office.
Dr. James "J.W." Kelley, President of McDowell Technical Community College, spoke on how the investment transcends individual aid, “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.” His statement, not simply a reflection of gratitude, evokes the far-reaching implications of such support—impacting lives, fueling dreams and fortifying the workforce for years to come, as per the Governor’s Office.
In total, the grants and scholarships have served at least 20,725 community college students from, or studying in Western North Carolina, with a cumulative near $23 million. These funds have been instrumental for students enrolled in the North Carolina Community College System to manage tuition, fees, and those critical, unforeseen expenses that could easily derail their educational journeys.
