Wake Tech Awarded Grant to Expand Technology Training
Posted: 02-08-2010 : RALEIGH, N.C.

RALEIGH, N.C. - Wake Technical Community College will soon be better equipped to address the region’s growing demand for skilled workers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Wake Tech $555,680 for a new five-year program aimed at increasing the number of qualified STEM graduates.

Beginning next fall, Wake Tech’s GREAT (Graduation, Retention, and Expansion of AAS Technicians) Scholars program will provide scholarships and support for students in six Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree programs. The six AAS programs are:

• Environmental Technology
• Biopharmaceutical Technology
• Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Civil Engineering Technology
• Electronics Engineering Technology
• Computer Engineering Technology

A total of 124 students in those degree programs will be able to benefit from the scholarships - along with valuable internship and co-op opportunities - provided they meet both academic and financial eligibility criteria. The program’s goal is to help talented students who are financially disadvantaged stay enrolled full time while completing their associate’s degree.

"Supporting STEM education initiatives like the GREAT program is one of the best investments we can make," said U.S. Rep. David Price. "This federal funding will help Wake Tech provide more Triangle area residents with the skills they need to fill the next generation of well-paying jobs. It's the first step towards job creation, a stronger economy, and a better global competitive position for the United States."

Graduates in the six AAS degree programs will have the skills for immediate employment - or the option of furthering their education by transferring to a four-year college or university. The degrees transfer to at least one of a variety of regional institutions, including East Carolina University, Campbell University, Mount Olive College, and NC Wesleyan College. Some of these schools offer bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed online.

For more information about the GREAT Scholars program, contact Ginger Pasley at 919-866-5349 or visit http://choices.waketech.edu.

About Wake Technical Community College:
Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) is a two-year, public institution providing education and training for the citizens of Raleigh and surrounding Wake County. Wake Tech provides a comprehensive array of learning opportunities and serves an annual enrollment of more than 65,000 students. Curriculum (for-credit) programs in more than 150 academic, vocational, and technical specialties offer two-year associate degrees in science, applied science, the arts, and general education; university transfer programs for entry into four-year institutions; and diploma and certificate programs that prepare workers to succeed at jobs in high demand in the community. Wake Tech also offers a broad scope of continuing education courses, including training for entrepreneurs and small business owners, public safety officer training (fire, rescue, and law enforcement), high school equivalency classes, and non-credit courses for personal and professional development. As the second largest community college in the state, Wake Tech provides customized workforce training for new and expanding industries and a cooperative education program that interfaces with the corporate community. For more information, please visit http://www.waketech.edu.