College Board of trustees reorganizes; new work program discussed

By Marlene Bohr

mbohr@steelcountrybee.com

 

Board members were sworn in for another term at Northeast Texas Community College at its May 27 meeting. Camp County Judge Thomas Cravy administered the oath of office to Northeast Texas Community College board members Robin Sharp, John Bryan, Jerry Webster and Chuck Johns. The board also reorganized keeping Dan McCauley as chairman, Chuck Johns as vice chairman and Sid Greer as secretary.

 

Jon McCullough, vice president for advancement, reported there were 15 work scholarships awarded out of a pool of 20. “We were shooting for 12 so our demand exceeded the initial supply,” Dr. McCullough said. These students are part of a select group that is interested in working to pay for their education while earning some spending money along the way. They will be part of NTCC’s pilot Work Scholarship Program, will work on the NTCC Eagle Ranch and receive college credit this summer. In an effort to help students attend college without accumulating debt, NTCC is trying something new (actually more like something that many people from previous generations already experienced) - letting people work for their education. “This new Volunteer Scholarship Assistance Program will allow students the opportunity to perform meaningful work related to their major where they will not only receive hands-on training, but also earn spending money for the summer along with credit towards their fall and spring tuition,” Dr. McCullough said. “The college has been trying this out on a caseby-case basis for the past 12 months, but this will be the first time it has been used on a cohort of students.

 

These students will be earning $12 per hour, which is very good pay for a part-time job. Of this amount, $4 will be paid directly to the student and the other $8 will be applied as a credit toward their tuition and fees for the fall and spring semester. “Any student who wants to go to college and is willing to work for it may apply. Students will be selected based on their completion of an application and interview process. Special consideration will be given to those students who want to pursue a degree in agriculture. Students must be able to work 16 hours per week beginning June 4 and ending Aug. 14. Work schedules will vary throughout the week. This program is for students who have a strong work ethic, or are willing to develop one.

 

Dr. McCullough said that people from the local area privately fund the program through contributions.

 

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