New Kuhn Inspiration Scholarship provides tuition, books, and options for students of color at Durham Tech

Longtime Durham residents, Mark and Cindy Kuhn, have established a new scholarship opportunity for students of color at Durham Tech. The Kuhn Inspiration Scholarship will launch Spring 2022.

Mark Kuhn is the principal of Kuhn Advisors and taught accounting courses at Durham Tech several years ago. Cindy is a neuropharmacologist that conducts research and teaches at Duke University. They both have a passion for student success.

“Durham Tech is a lifeline to those needing post-high school education in order to acquire or enhance their marketable skills in the workplace,” said Cindy Kuhn. “Durham Tech provides the opportunity to prepare for a wide variety of professional pursuits that support our community in ways that we shouldn't overlook. Our country needs everyone to succeed and we feel that education is the key to moving all forward together.”

Earlier this year the Kuhn’s met with Durham Tech leadership to talk about students’ most critical needs and then decided to establish a scholarship with the Durham Tech Foundation to help offset expenses for students of color.

“We are all part of this wonderful community of Durham, in which we have lived, studied, worked, and raised a family for more than 50 years,” said Mark Kuhn. “Everyone in Durham is better off when everyone can succeed. We felt it important to support the critical needs of students at Durham Tech.”

The Kuhn Inspiration Scholarship will provide 10 students with $5,000 scholarships, of which $3,000 is for tuition, fees, and textbooks; $1,000 for tools and technology (e.g., laptop); and $1,000 for life circumstances such as a car repair.

“It’s not just the cost of tuition that can be a barrier for students, but all the other stuff life throws at them,” said Liz McFarlane, Director of Development at the Durham Tech Foundation. “This scholarship provides holistic support of our students.”

The Kuhn’s have pledged $50,000 per year for the next five years – providing scholarships for 50 students.

“Scholarships make a world of difference for Durham Tech students, and we are delighted that the Kuhn Inspiration Scholarship will offer tuition support and more. By pairing flexible funds for student needs with traditional scholarship support, we aim to fuel students’ progress toward their college and career goals,” said Melissa Chappell, Executive Director of the Durham Tech Foundation.

The first cohort of Kuhn Inspiration Scholars will be selected in Spring 2022 and awarded the scholarships in Fall 2022.
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Contact Marcy Gardner, Coordinator of Content and Social Media, at gardnerm@durhamtech.edu