Businesses and individuals who give financial support to students at Aiken Technical College (ATC) were introduced to their beneficiaries.
The Aiken Tech Foundation sponsored its annual breakfast, bringing together students receiving scholarships with the businesses or individuals whose financial contributions support their education.
“Our students come away from this experience with a little bit of gratitude in their heart, and then our donors come away with this feeling fulfilled that they’ve done some good in the world today,” Kym Johnson, Foundation Director, told ABD.
Will Williams, President and CEO of Western SC, said getting supporters and beneficiaries together in a relaxed gathering benefits both sides.
“I think for the for the contributor, it gives them a chance to put a face and a person with what they’ve done, and then it for the for the recipient, it gives them a chance to thank and to see who that person is that’s helped make their life a little easier,” he said.
This event also gives students the opportunity to talk with the business leaders, people who have open positions. In return, the company representatives meet potential candidates.
Among the students was Alice Brown, who is completing her training in welding. She said the scholarship she received from BAE Systems helped pay for books and supplies, such as protective helmets.
The breakfast was also a bit of a celebration for Brown. Her future path has been set.
“I just got hired on at BAE Systems, and it’s my first time being a welder there. We get to weld tanks for the government, and it’s right here in Aiken, South Carolina,” she explained. “And the main goal is to have students and people who graduate right here in Aitkin County and get a job right here, so it can help promote the community better.”
Williams said having a healthy scholarship program at ATC can also serve to enhance the area’s attractiveness for other businesses by highlighting a trained workforce.
“This is huge to see industry here, contributing dollars, individuals contributing dollars. It says we have a healthy, robust community, and we want to continue to do better,” he said.
Among those providing financial support for the scholarship program are major corporations such as Bridgestone Americas and Shaw Industries, along with nonprofit organizations, including the Aiken Lions Clubs, and private citizens like Greg and Betty Ryberg.
Johnson said ATC has a substantial number of nursing scholarships but needs assistance for other programs.
“Those other technical degrees in the medical field, we could use some more sponsors for that, and also our welding program,” she said. “Our welding program is growing exponentially, and so the more assistance we can have with that, the better off we all are. We, as a nation, have a gap, and we need welders.”
More information about the Aiken Tech Foundation, and how to create a scholarship or donate to an existing one, is at https://www.atc.edu/Foundation/Give.
Prior to being purchased by BAE Systems in 2005, the facility near the Aiken airport was the FMC plant. It helped build the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, which was in the spotlight in the second Gulf War in 2003.
Brown is mindful of the legacy held by her new employer.
“I’m still learning, but I’m eager to be able to build that. The work of my hands is going to be remembered long after I’m gone, and I’m just amazed by that, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Aiken Tech and BAE scholarship.”
