Each semester, the Sampson Community College (SCC) Foundation awards funds through its mini grant program to projects that plan to enhance the mission of SCC, but aren’t covered by state budget resources.
In November 2023, the Foundation named Lynn Freeman-Sankey, Education Instructor & Director of the Residency Licensure Certificate program; Josiah King, Arts & Sciences Instructor; and Genevieve Merlos-Pulley, Student Success Coach, as mini grant recipients for the Fall semester.
Lisa Turlington, Dean of Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation, voiced about this year’s recipients, “The Foundation is pleased to be able to support faculty and staff in projects that help promote and build programs and training programs. It is exciting to see the dedication of these program leaders.”
With the funds, Freeman-Sankey held an event for beginning Sampson County and Clinton City school teachers enrolled in SCC’s new Educator Preparation Program. She worked to create a collaborative environment between school districts’ beginning teachers, increase awareness of the College’s resources, and prepare a successful licensure program.
“The goal of the event,” elaborated Freeman-Sankey, “was to provide an opportunity for beginning teachers to introduce themselves to each other, learn more information about the Residency Licensure Certification program, become familiar with SCC and its resources, and be introduced to the first course, EDU 270.”
Similarly, Josiah King rehosted a student art exhibit in November for Fall 2023 curriculum students enrolled in drawing and painting courses at the College. This semester, twenty-two students showcased their work on campus, with the opening reception welcoming the community in for viewing.
“An art exhibition offers students a complete experience in the arts—from creation to exhibition,” King explained. “It’s a great opportunity for these young artists to receive recognition for their work. It also allows the College to reach out to the wider community, welcoming those who may not ordinarily step on campus.”
Merlos-Pulley, on the other hand, plans to create an environment that will foster student-staff relationships through the Student Success Center Study Café. Providing snacks and drinks, the café will offer SCC students a variety of academic and support services to meet their needs, as they interact with Success Center staff.
She mentioned, “This project will allow SCC staff to engage with students while providing them with the necessary resources needed to achieve academic success.”
The goal of the SCC Foundation is to cultivate community support for the College and financially assist students in their educational pursuits at SCC through scholarships. The gifting of funds through faculty and staff mini grants is just another way the Foundation helps change student lives each semester.
For more information about the SCC Foundation, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/foundation
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. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
