🎓 New Scholarship Opportunity at Gaston College

GBA Investor Gaston College announced that a new scholarship has been established by Gastonia Mayor Walker E. Reid III.

The Mayor Walker Reid III Scholarship is expected to have a tremendous impact on students, according to the Gaston College Foundation’s Executive Director, Luke Upchurch.

“When I was a firefighter and a young father pursuing a career, I had an advantage that the city would reimburse your classes, and I used that over and over again to get my two year degree,” Reid said. “My heart goes out to all the single parents out there, whether they’re a mother or a father,” he added. “I looked at this as a way to help someone else get ahead.”

Reid’s scholarship fund will start out with $25,000, though Reid is hoping to be able to grow that amount over the years.

By the numbers: “An endowed gift of $25,000 will generate approximately $1,250 in earnings each year for scholarship support for deserving students in need of financial support,” Upchurch said

“The Gaston College Foundation stewards approximately $6 million in endowed funds generating approximately $300,000 each year for support,” according to Upchurch. “Investing in education through endowed giving for scholarships is sowing seeds of knowledge that create boundless opportunities, empowering generations to thrive and shaping a brighter future for all.”

• This scholarship will be available to qualifying candidates as early as Fall 2023.

According to the college, preference for this scholarship will go to current students participating in the Fire Protection Technology, Nursing, Early Childhood Education, Associate in Arts or Science in Teacher Preparation, or Basic Law Enforcement Training programs.

• Students must live in Gastonia and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 to qualify for this scholarship.

• The scholarship will prioritize single parents that have custody of dependent children.

• Students who believe they might qualify for this scholarship can apply here.