Giving Tuesday – Support Local Scholarship Opportunities for Higher Education
While the holiday spending season approaches, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation is in hopes the community remembers to support local non-profit organizations on Giving Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Giving Tuesday is the day to celebrate generosity and encourages everyone to give back in every possible way.
The Southern Higher Education Foundation (SVHEF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization which is the fundraising-arm of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center. The SVHEF provides scholarship opportunities for students enrolled at the Center.
In the past year, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation awarded almost $50,000 in scholarships. Of the 62 scholarship recipients, most would not have been able to afford classes without financial assistance from the Foundation.
“There is not a typical scholarship recipient, they are all walks of life. Some are just getting their feet on the ground, while others are punching the time-clock everyday before heading to class to make a better life for themselves, “said SVHEF Associate Director of Philanthropy Liza Fulton.
Fulton shared the story of a Fall 2022 Scholarship Recipient Carl “CJ” Cole. CJ has worked as a plumber for over twenty years with South Boston Public Works. He was recently hired at Comfort Systems USA MidAtlantic and now could use the knowledge of Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC).
“Plumbing and HVAC go hand-in-hand- you have to know what lines go where. It’s all tied together,” said CJ in a recent meeting with Fulton.
In refence to his scholarship, “This is the best decision I could have made to advance my career, but I could not have afforded the class without a scholarship, said Cole. He will obtain his HVAC Certification in Spring 2023.
Some students are enrolling straight out of high school, but are still living at home. These students are not eligible for financial aid because their parent’s income is considered too high. Other students are working full-time jobs and raising a family which creates a financial burden to afford a higher education. This is where the SVHEF steps in with scholarship opportunities.
“Scholarships are available to students seeking a degree, as well as those who are taking non-credential classes to broaden their hands-on skillset with hopes of earning a higher wage,” said Fulton.
Since the pandemic has become more manageable, there has been an up-tick in the enrollment numbers at SVHEC. Which has also increased the number of students applying for scholarships. The Foundation offers a variety of scholarships, some funds are geared to students who would like to pursue a career in business, nursing, and education to name a few.
While folks are out spending for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, “Please remember the Foundation on Giving Tuesday because any gift will help lighten the load and brighten the future for these students,” said Fulton.
Halifax County residents are fortunate to have higher education options located in Downtown South Boston. The Center offers workforce training certification in HVAC, Welding, and Information Technology. Plus, they provide a spectrum of degree programs through their partnership with Danville Community College, Southside Virginia Community College, Old Dominion University and Radford University.
The Foundation strives to provide an opportunity for a higher education for those living in Halifax County and surrounding area. The Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation Staff and Board of Directors hope to create a better community through one class and one donation at a time.
All donors will receive an acknowledgement thank-you receipt letter to recognize the tax-deductible contribution. To support the Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation, visit www.svhef.glerin.biz and click on the “Give Now” tab. You may also send you donation to: SVHEF 180 Factory Street South Boston, VA 24592. If you have any questions, please give them a call at 434-572-5442 or email lizafulton@svhef.glerin.biz