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Mountain Empire Community College reports enrollment gains, asks Scott County for $10,000 to sustain Promise program
Summary
MECC officials reported modest enrollment increases and outlined the Promise scholarship for Scott County graduates; college leaders asked the board to consider a $10,000 county contribution to sustain the program and help returning adult students.
Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) officials updated the Scott County Board of Supervisors on enrollment and the college’s Promise scholarship program and asked the county for a modest contribution.
Chris Westover, MECC president, reviewed fall and spring enrollment figures, saying the college saw a small increase in full-time-equivalent (FTE) enrollment and stronger dual-enrollment numbers. He said about 18 percent of the college’s students come from Scott County and highlighted that dual-enrollment credits can save students about $24,000 over a college career.
Dr. Amy Greer, MECC vice president for institutional advancement and foundation director, described the Promise Program, which covers tuition only for eligible local high-school graduates who meet criteria including a 2.0 college GPA, continuous enrollment for up to 72 credit hours, residency in the college’s service area, completion of the FAFSA (Federal Student Aid form) and an annual scholarship application. Greer said the college uses private scholarship funds and foundation interest before using Promise funds, and that the program is intended as a last-dollar scholarship.
Greer said MECC’s foundation received a $750,000 gift spread over three years; the college has been spending only the investment interest to create a sustainable fund. After reporting that MECC has spent roughly $24,000 of Scott County’s earlier contribution to date, Greer asked the board to consider an additional $10,000 to support the Promise program and to help create a small fund for adult students returning to college who do not qualify for federal financial aid.
Why it matters: MECC’s Promise program helps local high-school graduates and dual-enrolled students pay for early college coursework and supports regional workforce development priorities in healthcare, skilled trades and transportation.
What’s next: Board members said they would consider the request. MECC representatives offered to meet with county staff and school-district personnel to increase awareness of the FAFSA and program steps among students and parents.
