Durham Tech students gain access to work-based learning scholarships thanks to Wells Fargo
The Wells Fargo Foundation recently granted $10,000 to the Durham Technical Community College Foundation to fund work-based learning scholarships.
The grant will provide 20 scholarships for students in the Career and Technical Education program for the fall 2018 and spring 2019 semesters.
“Work-based learning provides practical work experience and network connections for students. By extending classroom learning with real life experience, students will be more confident and capable as they move out of college and into employment,” said Melissa Chappell, Executive Director of the Durham Tech Foundation.
More than half of the 20 programs in the Career and Technical Education program require students to participate in work-based learning opportunities while other programs list work-based learning as an elective or as part of the individual program’s capstone requirements.
Students often find it difficult to complete work-based learning hours due to other obligations such as their own jobs, family, and course load, according to Chappell. The scholarships will provide stipends to their recipients to help ease any financial burden the recipient may face by trying to complete an unpaid internship while also working to support their schooling and families.
“Wells Fargo is proud to support students on their journey for higher education and professional development,” said Carla Addison, Regional Banking District Manager and Durham Market President for Wells Fargo. “Through continued support of Durham Tech and its students, Wells Fargo is ensuring the next generation of innovators and community leaders have access to the resources they need to be successful.”
To date, Wells Fargo has given Durham Tech $115,000 for work-based learning scholarships which have been awarded to more than 140 students.
More recently, Wells Fargo granted the College $10,000 in summer 2017 for 20 scholarships for the 2017-18 academic year. All scholarships were distributed, and all the recipients finished the required 160 hours of worked-based learning in programs such as Information Technology, Medical Office Administration, Web Development, Network Security, Accounting and Finance, and Biomedical Equipment Technology.
“The College is grateful for Wells Fargo’s commitment to our students,” Chappell said.
In the News:
- "Durham Magazine": Featured in December/January issue
- "Community College Daily": Featured on Sept. 28