The McDowell Technical Community College Foundation recently received a check in the amount of $6,000 from Crane Charitable Funds, presented by local partners at Crane ChemPharma Resistoflex in Marion, to support scholarships and the college’s student emergency fund. Johnnie Davis, a Crane ChemPharma & Energy associate, recommended that the college receive these funds just prior to her recent retirement. Davis is a strong McDowell Tech supporter and has served on the MTCC Foundation Board of Directors for many years. .

“We are grateful to Crane Charitable Funds and Crane ChemPharma Resistoflex for their continued generosity to the college in support of our students, their families and our workforce development programs,” said Dr. J.W. Kelley, MTCC President. “From student scholarships and funding for summer enrichment programs like Camp Opportunity and Mad Scientist STEM camp, to equipment funding and scholarships for our welding program, and scholarships for children in our childcare center, Crane Charitable Funds has proven themselves to be faithful friends of the college and good corporate citizens.”
According to information from the organization, Crane Charitable Funds supports issues around food insecurity, affordable housing, education, health, environmental protection, animal welfare and many other worthy causes. They have a long history of giving back to communities where their associates live and work, with a focus on underserved populations.
“We are proud to be a strong supporter of McDowell Technical Community College,” wrote Susan L. Shreve, Director of Crane Charitable Funds.
Crane’s partnership with the college extends far beyond their philanthropic giving, however. Crane ChemPharma Resistoflex has been a longstanding member of the McDowell County Workforce Pipeline Committee, engaging with the college’s instructors, administrators, county officials and other industry partners to build a stronger and more vibrant workforce. Over the years, they have hired dozens of skilled graduates from McDowell Tech to fill vacancies at their facilities, and have given current students an opportunity to participate in work-based learning opportunities.
“Gifts from Crane Charitable Funds allow McDowell Tech students to pursue their educational and career goals and improve their socioeconomic status,” said Kelley, the MTCC President. “As an employer, Crane is also making a significant, positive impact on the lives of our graduates, building capacity in the local workforce and strengthening our economy. We look forward to continuing our collaboration for many years to come.”
To partner in the “Learning for Life” mission of MTCC, visit https://mcdowelltech.edu/foundation-mtcc/.