The McDowell County Chapter of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) has established an endowed scholarship at McDowell Technical Community College to provide need-based scholarships to McDowell County residents.
The McDowell County Chapter of the NAACP (National Association for Funds for the endowment have been raised over the last four years through a variety of chapter-sponsored activities, including Pancake Breakfasts held at FATZ restaurant, sale of original paintings by chapter member Jan Ramsey, member contributions, contributions by other local non-profit organizations and donations by individuals in memory or honor of special friends and family members. In total, $25, 371 has been raised to begin the NAACP McDowell County Endowed Scholarship.
According to the organization’s Facebook page, “The mission of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.”
“Our members are excited to be able to provide funds to endow this scholarship to raise the education and skill level of McDowell County residents for generations to come,” said Ray McKesson, Chapter President. “We have long known that lack of personal and family resources is a major barrier that keeps some students from pursuing higher education or vocational training to improve their socio-economic status and quality of lie. It is our hope that this scholarship will level the playing field and promote equality for people of all backgrounds in this area.”
“We are enormously grateful for our local NAACP chapter and their gifts to endow this scholarship,” said Dr. Brian S. Merritt, MTCC President. “They truly understand what we mean when we talk about equitable access to education at McDowell Tech. These scholarships will be life-changing to those who receive them. This is how legacies are made.”
McKesson and fellow chapter members invite others to contribute to the NAACP McDowell County Scholarship by writing to:
NAACP McDowell County, P.O. Box 1823, Marion, NC 28752.
(When donating, please be sure to not that your donation is for the Endowed Scholarship.)
Donations may also be made directly through the MTCC Foundation website at www.mcdowelltech.edu/mtccfoundation/ . For more information, contact Madalyn Gaito, Director of Development, at 828-652-0630 or [email protected] .
Photo: Officers with the McDowell County Chapter of the NAACP met with Dr. Brian S. Merritt, President of McDowell Technical Community College, and Madalyn Gaito, Director of Development, to finalize the creation of the NAACP McDowell County Endowed Scholarship program for needy McDowell County residents. (l to r)- Dr. Brian S. Merritt; Don Ramsey,1st Vice-President; Ray McKesson, President; Phyllis McKesson, Treasurer; Billy Martin, Assistant Treasurer; and Madalyn Gaito.
