SANFORD - More than 180 Central Carolina Community College students are able to attend college this year thanks, at least in part, to $130,000 in financial assistance received through the CCCC Foundation's scholarship and award programs.

That assistance came primarily in the form of scholarships from individuals, organizations, businesses and corporations in the college's service area of Chatham, Harnett and Lee counties. Community support provided well over $200,000, with $72,000 in awards used to advance the academic mission of the college.

"None of this would have been possible without the help of the friends and supporters of the college," said President Bud Marchant. "With their help, the college and its students will continue to excel. Every dollar spent improving job skills and advancing education for individuals in our area will increase the overall quality of life for everyone in our communities."

The Foundation, the fund-raising arm of the college, has kicked off its 2009 Annual Fund Drive in all three counties, with a goal of $145,000.

"Even though the economy is down, enrollment is up; people that have lost jobs are attending the college to learn new job skills," said George Womble, Foundation vice president/president-elect and chairman of the 2009 drive. "In addition, community colleges are receiving less money from the state. Consequently this year's fund raising is especially critical for the college to be able to meet the demands caused by the high enrollment."

Money raised during the Fund Drive will be used wherever the needs are greatest. Foundation contributions fund scholarships, financial assistance for childcare so parents can attend college, nursing workshops, student field tours, assistance for faculty professional development, and special workshops to promote interest among high school students in the college's vocational, technology, and university transfer courses.

"A scholarship definitely helped me," said Associate Degree Nursing student Stephanie Oglesbee, of Sanford, who received the $1,000 Sanford Women's Club Scholarship through the Foundation. "My husband and I have five children. Without the scholarship, it would have been hard to come up with the money for school."

For more information on contributing to the Foundation or for a copy of its annual report, contact Diane Glover, Foundation executive director, at (919) 718-7231 or by email at dglover@cccc.edu.