Harris uses scholarship to make the most of his college experience
A campus tour during his senior year in high school, along with some advice from friends and family, led Chance Harris of Bishopville to enroll last fall at Central Carolina Technical College. But, it was an Industrial and Engineering Technology (IET) Scholarship that made it possible for him to pursue his education as his top priority.Harris, a 2009 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, said he really liked the program and the instructors when he toured Central Carolina's Machine Tool Technology Program last year, and that advice from a friend and his dad sealed the deal.
"I have a friend at church who came through the Machine Tool program here, and he is doing very well in his career," Harris said. "And my Dad told me that if he could do it all over again, this would be the field he'd go into."
As for the IET Scholarship, Harris said it's making a huge impact on his education.
"Basically the scholarship has allowed me to be a full-time student. Without it, I'd still be here, but I would definitely be working full-time and only be a part-time student. With the scholarship, I am able to go to school full-time and concentrate on my education," Harris said.
Last fall 100 students took advantage of the college's offer of a limited number of full tuition scholarships for new students entering one of the IET programs.
While Harris and students like him have entered these programs at Central Carolina straight out of high school, others are taking advantage of the educational and training opportunities at the college following a layoff or a personal decision to change careers.
"These students are getting an education and learning skills that can never be taken from them," said Jack Neal, Dean of Industrial and Engineering Technology. "Our programs lead directly to high-demand jobs. In this economy, we know the importance of upgraded skills and education to the workforce, but we also recognize the financial strain on many of our students."
Neal said it was a combination of those factors that led the college to develop the scholarship program. In addition to these scholarships, there are many other financial aid options available to students at Central Carolina, including Lottery Tuition Assistance, other State and Federal programs, and other scholarships offered through the college's Foundation.
Under the IET Scholarship program, which will continue this fall, new students who enter one of the IET programs can apply for a one-year full-tuition scholarship. The number of IET scholarships is limited and are awarded on a first-come basis to those who submit a completed application packet.
Potential students who want to learn more about the scholarships and the programs in the IET division at Central Carolina may attend the college's annual "Showcase" event at the main campus in Sumter on March 6 between 10 AM and 2 PM.
Academic program managers as well as admissions and financial aid counselors will be on hand to help students learn about the programs and how to apply for the scholarships. The programs in the IET division include: Automotive, Engineering Graphics, Machine Tool, Heating and Air Conditioning, Mechatronics, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Engineering Technology, and Welding.