Continuing Education courses for Summer II and Fall 2026 are now available to view in Self-Service. Course sections listed with a begin date after July 1, 2026 will open for registration on July 1, 2026.
The Durham Tech Foundation welcomed students, donors, faculty, and community partners to its annual Scholarship Breakfast on April 2 at the Cotton Room, celebrating student success and the collective impact of scholarship support. This year’s event brought together more than 200 attendees to recognize the achievements of Durham Tech Foundation scholarship recipients and the donors who make these opportunities possible. In the 2025–26 academic year, the Foundation made 210 scholarship awards totaling $309,169 in direct student support.
The Scholarship Breakfast is a signature event for the Foundation, offering a space for scholarship recipients to connect directly with the individuals and organizations who invest in their education. This year’s event was generously sponsored by PNC, Blue Cross NC, UNC Health, and Duke Health.
The program featured student speakers Mya Burton, Tayo Leshaodo, Earl Gurganus, and Gretchen Bellamy, each of whom shared a powerful reflection on their unique journey to and through Durham Tech. A video presentation featured four additional scholarship recipients: Max Shafer, Precieux Kounieka, Irene Essou, and Joshua McMenemy. Their stories highlighted the many pathways students take, from dual enrollment and transfer planning, to international study, to career transitions and skilled trades training. Despite their different starting points, they shared a common sense of determination and commitment to building a better future. As Tayo Leshaodo encouraged the audience, “do it scared,” a message that captured the resilience and courage reflected across all the student experiences.
Scholarships at Durham Tech help remove financial barriers for students, many of whom are working, supporting families, or returning to school after time away. These awards cover tuition, books, transportation, and other essential expenses that can otherwise prevent students from staying enrolled.
“This event is a powerful reminder that scholarships do more than fund education—they create pathways to opportunity,” said Roxanne Miller, executive director of the Durham Tech Foundation. “Each award represents a shared investment in our students and in the future of our community.”
The application period for 2026–27 scholarships recently closed, and the Foundation saw a significant increase in demand for scholarship support, with the number of applicants more than tripling compared to the previous cycle. In response, the Foundation is working to raise additional funds to expand scholarship opportunities and meet growing student need.
As the academic year draws to a close and students prepare for graduation, the Scholarship Breakfast serves as both a celebration and a call to action, highlighting the critical role of donor support in helping students achieve their goals.