In 2004, the Sampson County Home Builders Association, which serves Sampson and Duplin Counties, established a $10,000 endowment with the Sampson Community College Foundation. The endowment was intended to establish scholarships and assist students enrolled in trades programs at Sampson Community College. Ideally, in the minds of the association, those students would graduate and then give back to the community through the trade that they learned.
William Goodrich, President of the Sampson County Home Builders Association, says giving to Sampson Community College and making a commitment to education allows his organization to invest in the next generation.
“The scholarship fund was started many years ago. The goal was to award a scholarship to students in this field of study, to help them with school, and hopefully, that will help them as they enter the field, and then give back,” Goodrich explained.
Lisa Turlington, Executive Director of the Foundation and Dean of Advancement at Sampson Community College said that the Sampson County Home Builder’s Association has been an asset to the College’s Building Construction program, and even advocated for the College’s more recent construction projects.
“The SCHBA board has played an important role in the development of the Building Construction programs at the college. Over the years, they have served as advisors, mentors, and advocates for our students and faculty. They recognize the importance of a pipeline for highly-trained talent in construction, and they are willing to help students obtain the skills needed. They also encouraged the college to commit to a new Trade Center that will allow expansion of these programs,” Turlington stated.
Goodrich went on to detail the importance of the proximity of Sampson Community College for students interested in the trades, and for the Sampson County Home Builders Association. So much so that the organization increased its donation to SCC last year.
“We’re dependent on Sampson Community College and we’re very fortunate to have them here because our students don’t have to travel to learn these skills, so we want to make sure we support these programs,” Goodrich remarked.
Barney Grady, Division Chair for Occupational programs at SCC, praised the Sampson County Home Builders Association for their commitment to the Building Construction program.
“The members of the Sampson County Home Builders Association have been vital to the success of our construction program. They have supported the program with not only their time but financially. The SCHBA has supported students annually through a scholarship that was implemented at the beginning of the program. Several of the members have served on advisory committees which help us keep the program viable and growing. Anytime we have needed assistance or advice they have always been there for us. The program would not be in the place it is in without the support of this association,” Grady stated.
More information about the Sampson County Home Builders Association can be found at http://www.sampsonhomebuilders.com/. Students interested in this scholarship can apply to the general Sampson Community College Foundation application at http://www.sampsoncc.edu/foundation/scholarships/. Applications are due by April 15.
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.
