WELLS — The York County Community College Foundation recently awarded more than $26,000 in scholarships to 54 individuals for the fall 2014 semester. These scholarships will provide much-needed financial support to students pursuing higher education in one of YCCC’s academic programs.
Over the last five years, the YCCC Foundation has provided more than $200,000 in scholarships to YCCC students based on academic performance, program of study, leadership, community service and financial need. This semester saw a 200 percent increase in the demand for scholarship support over any other semester, college officials said. The YCCC Foundation relies on the generosity of the community to continue its work in securing the future of the college, its students, faculty and staff.
“The majority of YCCC students receive some financial aid and/or scholarship assistance,” said foundation Executive Director Bryan Matluk. “Investing in our students is not only at the core of the foundation’s mission, it is vital to the growth of the college, York County and the State of Maine.”
Recipients this semester include 16 single parents, eight students pursuing work in the health care field and two first-generation Americans, according to college officials.
“I have always had a passion and interest in machining. After some prodding from my wife, I applied and was accepted to the first year of YCCC’s precision machining program,” said scholarship recipient Paul Letourneau, who, as a result of his studies at YCCC, recently accepted a new position at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. “It has not always been easy working 40-plus hours a week and attending school four nights a week, but I have succeeded, and would like to not only complete my certificate in precision machining, but my associate’s degree as well.”
The scholarships awarded were made possible from the following donors: YCCC Foundation, Wells Rotary Scholarship, The Walsh Family Scholarship, Phyllis B. Norton Memorial Scholarship, The George & Shirley Pope Endowment, York Lions Club Scholarship, Sanford Institution for Savings Endowment, Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution Endowment, Zonta International Scholarship, York Harbor Foundation Scholarship, Phyllis B. Norton Memorial Scholarship and the Philip W. Hussey Scholarship Endowment.
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