Matt Calabria, Director of the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), visited McDowell Technical Community College to discuss state-funded emergency grants and scholarships for students affected by Hurricane Helene. The initiative has provided over 45,000 scholarships and grants to students impacted by the hurricane.
“After Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, students faced a major disruption to their studies,” said Matt Calabria. “The students I met today from McDowell Tech showed tremendous resilience. We’ve sought to do everything we can to help alleviate some of the financial burdens on students through state-funded emergency grant and scholarship programs.”
Dr. James “J.W.” Kelley, President of McDowell Technical Community College, commented on the broader impact: “This investment didn’t just help individuals—it strengthened our entire campus community to Learn, Grow, and Dream, ensuring that local employers can continue to count on a skilled, resilient workforce. The impact of this support will be felt for years to come in the lives of our students and the vitality of our region.”
The funding programs were designed for financial assistance across various educational institutions in North Carolina. Over $48 million was allocated for these scholarships and emergency grants, with nearly half supporting community college students.
Approximately 20,725 community college students from western North Carolina or studying in the area received almost $23 million in grants and scholarships. These funds have helped cover tuition, fees, and other emergency expenses necessary for maintaining enrollment.
