ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — College of The Albemarle (COA) is excited to announce that all 30 scholarships available through the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) Foundation’s Bridge to Career Scholarship Program have been awarded to students pursuing workforce training in high-demand fields across northeastern North Carolina.
These $500 scholarships are helping students earn credentials in Truck Driver Training, Nurse Aide I, Pharmacy Technician, EKG Technician, EMT, Phlebotomy and Paramedic.
“This program opens doors for students who are ready to take the next step but need that extra help to get there,” said Robin Zinsmeister, COA’s Dean of Workforce Development, Public Services and Career Readiness; Campus Administrator, COA – Edenton-Chowan. “Whether they’re starting fresh, changing careers, or building on their experience, these scholarships help them move forward—and transform their tomorrow.”
The SECU Bridge to Career Program is designed to reduce financial barriers for North Carolina residents working toward state-regulated or industry-recognized credentials. Students may use the funds for registration, books, credentialing exams, supplies, transportation, childcare, and more. Priority is given to individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, military veterans or spouses, members of the North Carolina National Guard, and others from underserved communities.
Photo (l-r): Lucretia White, COA Chair, Academic Foundations and Teacher Prep, and Associate Professor of Academic Foundations, English, and SECU Advisory Board Member; Dr. Jennifer Lopes, COA Vice President of Learning; Myriah Wolfrey, SECU Assistant Branch Manager, Elizabeth City – 17 N.; Robin Zinsmeister, COA Dean of Workforce Development, Public Services and Career Readiness, and Campus Administrator for Edenton-Chowan; and Michelle Spence, SECU Advisory Board Member.
“The SECU Foundation’s commitment to ‘People Helping People’ directly aligns with the mission of College of The Albemarle,” said Dr. Jack Bagwell, President of COA. “Together, we’re helping people gain better skills and create better futures for themselves, their families, and our region.”
“This scholarship program is an essential piece of SECU Foundation’s support for education and workforce development,” said Jama Campbell, SECU Foundation Executive Director. “We’re proud to stand alongside North Carolina’s outstanding community colleges to help students gain the tools they need for strong, successful futures.”
College of The Albemarle remains committed to supporting learners of all ages as they pursue better skills, better jobs, and a better future in our communities. To learn more about workforce training opportunities at COA, visit www.albemarle.edu/wdce or call 252-335-0821.
For other COA-related information or media inquiries, contact Tammy W. Sawyer, COA Director of Communications and Marketing, at 252-335-0821 ext. 2420, or [email protected].
About College of The Albemarle College of The Albemarle (COA) serves as the regional community college for Northeastern North Carolina, fostering educational excellence at the heart of the communities we proudly serve. With a rich and expansive history, COA offers accessible, high-quality education to students across Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties. Our four campuses, strategically located throughout the region, reflect our commitment to student success. At COA, we empower individuals, transforming lives and shaping the future of our region. Discover your potential with College of The Albemarle, where education meets opportunity.
About SECU and SECU Foundation A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, and federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), SECU has been providing employees of the state of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 86 years. SECU is the second largest credit union in the United States with $50 billion in assets. It serves nearly 2.8 million members through 275 branch offices, over 1,100 ATMs, Member Services Support via phone, www.ncsecu.org, and the SECU Mobile App. The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through highimpact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare, and human services. Since 2004, SECU Foundation has made a collective financial commitment of over $258 million for initiatives to benefit North Carolinians statewide.