ABINGDON, VA, October 21, 2024 — Students who live in Washington County, Virginia, can now attend Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) tuition-free upon high school graduation, thanks to the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia.
Wellspring Foundation is funding a $14.9 million grant to the VHCC Educational Foundation for the Promise Program, a 13-year scholarship initiative designed to make college and workforce training more accessible and affordable. This is the largest grant Wellspring Foundation has awarded since its inception.
Marvin Gilliam, Chair of the Wellspring Foundation Board of Directors, stated, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are thrilled to support such a transformative program for students who live in Washington County, Virginia. Both our mission and vision center on the importance of collaboration and partnership to promote a healthy, thriving region. We are honored to partner with VHCC on the Promise Program and excited to see the positive impact it will have on students and families.”
Wellspring Foundation Executive Director Sean McMurray added, “Through the Promise Program, we are breaking down financial barriers and providing students with easier access to higher education and workforce training. Not only is this a life-changing opportunity for students, but it also strengthens our local economy by preparing a well-qualified workforce to meet the needs of regional employers. It’s a win for students, families, VHCC and our community as a whole. We are proud to support the next generation of leaders and skilled workers in Washington County, ensuring a brighter future for our area.”
Wellspring Foundation and VHCC announced the Promise Program on October 21st at the college’s campus. Attendees included community leaders, local and state politicians, administrators and students from Washington County Public Schools, Cornerstone Christian Academy and local homeschool groups who all came together to celebrate this historic investment in education.
Dr. Adam Hutchison, President of VHCC, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “This is an extraordinary opportunity for students. The Promise Program ensures that every student who lives in Washington County, no matter their background, can attend VHCC without the burden of tuition. It’s a tremendous step toward educational equity and economic prosperity for our entire region, and we are excited to work closely with Wellspring Foundation to make this vision a reality.”
The Promise Program covers students graduating in the Class of 2025 through 2037 and pays for tuition and fees after all other financial aid and scholarships have been applied. It also provides up to $500 per semester per student for books and educational supplies through the VHCC bookstore.
Over the next few weeks, the Wellspring Foundation and VHCC will hold events at each Washington County public and private school, as well as host an informational session on campus for homeschool families, to spread the word about the Promise Program to students. These events will include giveaways and informational sheets for students and their families.
To be eligible for the Promise Program at VHCC, applicants must have lived in Washington County, VA, for at least 12 months prior to high school graduation and be a U.S. resident. Students must apply and be accepted to VHCC and complete both the FAFSA and VHCC Scholarship Application. Promise Program students can enroll in degree, transfer or workforce training programs.
For more information, visit www.PromiseProgram.org.
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About the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia
Established in the fall of 2021, the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia exists to enhance the health and wellbeing for the Virginia residents of Washington, Grayson, Russell and Smyth counties by cultivating goal-oriented partnerships. For more information, visit www.wellspringva.org.