A local industry leader is helping prepare Cape Fear Community College students achieve their educational goals.
GE Hitachi recently donated $30,000 to establish a scholarship for the college’s nuclear technology program. The Wilmington-based company, a worldwide provider of advanced reactors and nuclear services, also plans to give $30,000 each semester to the scholarship fund. The money will benefit up to 20 students every semester.
“This scholarship program builds on our longstanding partnership with Cape Fear Community College,” said Beth Lemmons, vice president of field services at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy. “By merging college curriculum, practical experience at nuclear power plants and specialized training at GE Hitachi facilities in Wilmington and California, this program will promote career paths for nuclear maintenance technicians.”
Scholarships of up to $3,000 per student per year are available to qualified applicants who are enrolled as full-time students in the nuclear technology program and complete the required prerequisites. The first two scholarship recipients were picked this semester.
“GE Hitachi’s support for CFCC and its students throughout the years has been tremendous,” CFCC president Dr. Amanda Lee said. “This scholarship program will ease the recipients’ financial burden and allow them to focus on their training. We are very fortunate to have such a committed community partner and we look forward to continuing to train today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs.”
CFCC’s nuclear technology program is located on the college’s North Campus in Castle Hayne. Throughout the six-semester program, students complete traditional classroom work and also train onsite at nuclear power facilities.
