SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College ranks among the best, according to the North Carolina Community College System's annual report card. 

That success is due, in part, to the strong support that the college receives from its local communities during the CCCC Foundation's Annual Fund Drive. The 2011 drive is now underway and the need is critical, according to college President Bud Marchant.

"The success of our Annual Fund Drive is key to accelerating what the college can do for all of its students, especially when we are facing another cut in state funding," Marchant said. "In order for CCCC to continue to excel, additional resources are needed for scholarships and more funding is necessary to continue to build on our history of innovative curriculum development and community service." 

CCCC provides vocational, technical, liberal arts and basic skills education to more than 20,000 residents of Lee, Chatham and Harnett counties. It takes education to the people with full-service campuses in Sanford, Pittsboro and Lillington, plus 17 satellite sites.

"Every dollar spent in improving job skills and advancing education for individuals in our area will increase the overall quality of life for everyone in our communities," Marchant said. 

The impact of the Central Carolina Community College Foundation's Annual Fund Drive is felt in every aspect of the college. The contributions from the Foundation are used to support the needs of the college in order to advance its academic mission in areas not covered by the state budget. Contributions from the Foundation provide financial assistance to students and fund some of the needs of faculty and staff.

"The Foundation has generously provided support and funding for our nursing students," said Linda Blair, nursing instructor. "Through the support, the nursing program has been able to send students to workshops that further their knowledge in critical thinking and nursing, along with being able to gain insight into current legislature that affects the health care outcomes for North Carolinians. We are beyond appreciative of the continued support of everyone who contributes to the Foundation."

Since 2009, the Annual Fund Drive has shown a 20% increase in total funds raised, which shows the importance the college in the local area.  This commitment is a true measure of the level of support felt by the community for its college, said Diane Glover, executive director of the Foundation.

"By continuing to grow our Annual Fund, this clearly illustrates how our community cares especially when times are tough for everyone," Glover said. "It shows the importance that our community puts on education and the betterment of its citizens."   

As enrollment at the college grows, so does the impact that CCCC has on the region. As many as 85% of CCCC graduates remain in the region after they leave the college and contribute to the local economy. CCCC activities foster new business, assist existing business and create long-term economic growth. The college enhances worker skills and provides customized training to local business and industry. 

Contributions to the Annual Fund Drive enable the college to better serve the educational needs of the citizens in our area. The community's support helps make the difference between providing adequate programs and providing the best, most comprehensive educational programs.

The Foundation's Annual Fund drive will continue until June 30. For more information on contributing to the Foundation or for a copy of its annual report, contact Glover at (919) 718-7231 or by email at dglover@cccc.edu.

The CCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with, but independent of, the college. It receives donations of money and equipment on behalf of CCCC and uses them to promote the educational mission of the college and assist students through scholarships and grants.