Lowe’s Companies, Inc. has invested $500,000 in Sampson Community College (SCC) to improve student access to Construction and Home Improvement Programs.
The College recently began construction on the new Sampson Trades Center that will house short-term training programs in electrical, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, and masonry, and this gift – directed toward building costs and student scholarships – will expand opportunities for students to gain skills in those fields. SCC currently offers training programs that lead to degrees in air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration technology; building construction technology; and construction management.
The new trade center and the partnership with Lowe’s will expand Workforce Development and Continuing Education training that will lead to certifications of high value in the workforce. The multiple programming options and the financial support will help students overcome barriers to access. The design and delivery of these courses afford students practical training and work based learning (WBL) opportunities that build skills needed in building and home improvement careers and personal development. Programming will embrace beginners to professionals, and the WBL will align training with real life experience.
SCC President, Dr. Bill Starling noted that for several years, the College has expanded opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to enroll in occupational and building trades programs helping to build more secure economic futures for those young people and to better develop the workforce of Sampson County.
“We are excited to partner with Lowe’s in support of our shared goal to develop a pipeline of new trades professionals,” stated Starling.
In a statement of appreciation, he continued, “On behalf of our College and the communities we serve, we want to express our sincere thanks to Lowe’s and affirm our institutional commitment to making this partnership successful for all interested students and the broader community we serve.”
“By 2028, there are projected to be 3 million job openings in the skilled trades,” said Marvin Ellison, chairman and chief executive officer of Lowe’s. “At Lowe’s, skilled trades education is one of our key focus areas for community support. We know how important it is to improve access to training programs and educational opportunities that will pave the way to these satisfying and rewarding careers, and we’re proud to partner with Sampson Community College on its new Trades Center to open up pathways to the trades for hard-working students.”
The Lowe’s investment in Sampson Community College will help build communities while opening pathways to critical skill sets and life-changing careers.
About Sampson Community College
Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education.
About Lowe’s
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 19 million customer transactions a week in the United States and Canada. With fiscal year 2021 sales of over $96 billion, Lowe’s and its related businesses operate or service nearly 2,200 home improvement and hardware stores and employ over 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit www.Lowes.com.
