Matt Calabria, Director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), visited McDowell Technical Community College to discuss state-funded emergency tuition grants and scholarships. These programs were designed to support students affected by Hurricane Helene. According to Calabria, “After Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, students faced a major disruption to their studies.” He emphasized the resilience shown by students at McDowell Tech and highlighted efforts to alleviate financial burdens through these programs.
Dr. James “J.W.” Kelley, President of McDowell Technical Community College, noted the broader impact of this financial support: “This investment didn’t just help individuals—it strengthened our entire campus community to Learn, Grow, and Dream, ensuring that local employers can continue to count on a skilled, resilient workforce.”
The funding initiatives have awarded over 45,000 scholarships and grants to students impacted by Hurricane Helene. More than $48 million in state funds were allocated for these purposes, with nearly half directed towards community college students. Specifically, approximately $23 million supported 20,725 community college students from or studying in western North Carolina.
These funds helped cover tuition fees and emergency expenses for students enrolled in the North Carolina Community College System as well as those attending UNC System schools and private universities.
