Forge Great Futures: The Campaign for Durham Tech officially launches

The campaign was unveiled Tuesday night with an event at the College’s new Culinary Arts space in the American Tobacco Campus.

The Durham Technical Community College Foundation has officially kicked-off its Forge Great Futures campaign.

The campaign aspires to raise $5 million by June 2020.

“This goal represents the largest private investment in the College’s history,” said Melissa Chappell, Executive Director of the Durham Tech Foundation. “We have received outstanding support so far from various industry and community partners, and, with continued investment from friends of the College, we aim to exceed our goal to help meet the needs of our growing region.”

The funds raised will further initiatives to develop talent for tomorrow’s workforce and enhance opportunities for students to enjoy economic mobility.

The campaign specifically targets the implementation of upgrades in learning spaces to meet today’s industry standards; the creation of integrated technology labs and new programs; and the expansion of scholarships and student aid, including stipends for work-based learning opportunities.

“The Forge Great Futures campaign will greatly benefit the communities served by Durham Tech,” said John Burness, Chair of the Durham Tech Board of Trustees. “Private support is essential to ensuring the College continues to provide an accessible, high-quality education for local students and delivers well-trained talent for employers.”

Planning for the campaign began around three years ago, led by the Durham Tech Foundation Board of Directors.

Gifts to the campaign to date have supported several workforce-related projects including an expansion of the Information Technology career pathway, a partnership with Durham Public Schools to begin the WayMakers: Skilled Trades Pathway, and a new Electrical Line Technician program.

The campaign launched its public phase on Tuesday, April 30, at a private event at the College’s new space in the American Tobacco Campus, the future home of the new Durham Tech Culinary Arts degree program.

“Great communities deserve great higher education institutions. We are preparing our students in Durham and Orange counties for outstanding careers, and we are serving our communities by identifying and filling local employer demands,” said President Bill Ingram. “The Forge Great Futures campaign will help the College continue to grow and do our part not only to better the lives of our students but to better the region overall.”

For more information, visit campaign.durhamtech.edu.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Stephanie Turner: Durham Tech Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator 919-536-7246, ext. 5202; turners@durhamtech.edu