The Lewes Senior Activity Center recently welcomed two representatives from Delaware Technical Community College for a presentation on the college and how the center’s recent $6,000 scholarship donation was utilized.
Bobbi J. Barends, PhD, Delaware Tech vice president and campus director, and Margaux Azzanesi, Delaware Tech director of major and planned gifts, explained many of the diverse training courses offered across Delaware Tech’s four campuses. Those in attendance learned that Delaware Tech has much more to offer other than associate degrees. In fact, many of its students attend classes to earn professional certifications and/or enhance their work skills. One of the criteria the LSAC set forth was for its scholarship monies to benefit non-traditional students who are not seeking a formal college education.
With the LSAC criteria in hand, Berends explained the process Delaware Tech followed. The school first used its 200 employer partnerships to identify immediate job opportunities in Delaware. Then, based on response, it found a significant shortage of qualified commercial driver’s license drivers. Using specialized computer software, Delaware Tech matched the LSAC scholarship criteria to two qualified students pursuing CDL studies and having a financial need. CDL drivers are in short supply to fill the demand all over the United States.
The two recipients were awarded a $2,000 scholarship credit in their school accounts for use toward their $4,000 school tuition and expenses. The remaining $2,000 scholarship funds have been set aside for the student support program to be used by students who have an immediate/emergency financial need.
LSAC members were happy to learn that one of the scholarship recipients had completed the CDL license process and was already working as a driver for a local company. The second scholarship recipient was just finishing the CDL course with an offer of employment upon completion. The two recipients wrote heartwarming thank-you notes for Barends to share with the LSAC members.
The LSAC scholarship partnership with Delaware Tech was a winning opportunity all around. The center was assured funds were spent wisely, and two students received much-needed assistance. Future Delaware employers will have more motivated, qualified applicants entering their workforce.
One LSAC scholarship committee member said “It’s just great to know we are able to help students who are not on the traditional college-bound track but who can still receive some financial relief. College is not meant for everyone.”
The Lewes Senior Activity Center promotes health and wellness for individuals 50 or older, offering fitness and exercise classes, arts and crafts classes, social gatherings, affordable travel and community service opportunities for its members.
To learn more, go to lewesseniorcenter.org.
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