Aiken Technical College Awarded $20,000 from the Dominion Energy Foundation for Student Microgrants Program

Aiken Technical College (ATC) has been awarded a $20,000 Dominion Energy Foundation grant to support its student microgrants program. The Aiken Technical College Foundation applied on behalf of the college to support students who have completed at least three-quarters of their degree or certificate program but are at risk of stopping out due to financial barriers.

ATC microgrant recipients must have genuine unmet financial need and have used all other sources of aid, be on track to graduate within the next semester or year, and have an outstanding financial gap that will prevent them from continuing and completing their academic program or credential.

“Federal financial aid prevents colleges and universities from using federal dollars for this evidence-based, student success-oriented approach. This student microgrant program will help cover modest financial shortfalls of up to $1,000, affecting the students’ ability to pay tuition and fees and preventing them from stopping their studies or dropping out,” said ATC Foundation Director Dr. Beth LaClair.

ATC will be establishing this fund to support students in completing their program of study and being prepared to enter the workforce in the Aiken County region. Dominion Energy is the first to support the microgrant completion grants program at Aiken Technical College.

“Dominion Energy recognizes the importance of investing long-term in students and their institutions to help develop and retain talent needed in South Carolina,” said Rodney Blevins, president of Dominion Energy South Carolina. “Supporting outside-the-box thinking to help students overcome gaps traditional financial assistance may not cover aligns with Dominion Energy’s commitment to innovative thinking."

For those interested in contributing, please contact Dr. Beth LaClair at laclaire@atc.edu for more information.