60 for 60: Scholarships shape futures of Durham Tech students, graduates

In celebration of Durham Technical Community College’s 60th anniversary, the College is publishing 60 for 60 – a storytelling campaign that highlights the people, places, and events that have progressed and shaped the College’s six decades of impact. To view more 60 for 60 stories, visit www.durhamtech.edu/60for60.   

Scholarships are often the difference between choosing college or not. Students rely on scholarships to alleviate the financial burden of college so they can pursue their academic and professional goals.

The first scholarships offered at Durham Tech were funded by outside organizations who hoped to make college more accessible and affordable.

In 1967, the American Fund for Dental Education provided one of the first scholarships at Durham Tech, providing 11 scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000.

One year later, nursing students were offered the Crawford-Clark Scholarship that was administered by North Carolina Memorial Hospital.

Businesses like Ford Motor Company, Pilot Club, Alturusa Club, City of Durham, NC Society of Accountant also offered scholarships to Durham Tech students.

By 1982, former president Dr. Phail Wynn, Jr., created the Durham Tech Foundation to manage, develop, and oversee student scholarships.

Chair and CEO of O’Brien Atkins Associates, John Atkins and his wife Sandra Atkins both attended Durham Tech. Together with the President and COO Kevin Montgomery, the firm supported the College by establishing the first internal scholarship with the Foundation.

As Durham natives, the firm wanted to give back locally and invest in students at Durham Tech who were interested in pursuing an architectural career.

"I admire the spirit and culture of inclusiveness along with Durham Technical Community College’s strong commitment to helping people build better lives through education,” said Atkins. “Scholarships matter because they offer the opportunity for a student with an interest in an architectural career to fulfill their aspiration.”

Most of the Durham Tech Foundation scholarships were established by people close to the college: alumni, faculty, staff, retirees, vendors, and community partners.

Today, the College offers more than 120 scholarships.

Adriana Cook, a 2020 Bonnie Vick Stone Memorial scholarship recipient, said receiving a scholarship meant that she could have a life beyond her wildest dreams.

“After years of struggle and hardship, this scholarship allows me to focus on my education and worry less about finances and other things that can intrude on college,” said Cook.

Arturo Gonzalez was a recipient of the 2021 George W. and Mary H. Newton scholarship and said the scholarship helped to relieve some financial burden off his father and helped him get closer to his goal of becoming an engineer and transferring to NC State.

“I am really grateful because times have been really tough ever since the pandemic. I lost one of my grants also this year, so getting the scholarship has helped me a lot,” said Gonzalez.

The scholarship application period is open every year March 15 - April 15.

A full list of scholarships through the Durham Tech Foundation can be found here.

Durham Tech Promise Funds are another opportunity for financial assistance. The initiative was introduced in 2012 by Durham County Commissioners to provide up to $1,000 per year for two years for any Durham Public School graduate that enrolls in at least six hours at Durham Tech as their first higher education institution within one year of high school graduation.

In 2016, the fund expanded to serve students residing in Orange County and students attending Durham Charter Schools, private schools, and home schools. There is no application form. The Durham Tech Financial Aid office reviews student records and contacts those who qualify.

Learn how you can give today to support student scholarships by contacting the Durham Tech Foundation at foundation@durhamtech.edu.
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Contact Desiree Patrick, M.S., Communications and Public Relations Coordinator, at allisontowsond@durhamtech.edu