Heather Bell
RADFORD – After a successful golf tournament and fundraising efforts recently, the Radford Chamber of Commerce was able to give local students a boost in education.
On Tuesday, Oct. 6, the Radford Chamber of Commerce presented a check to New River Community College at Triangle Plaza for NRCC’s ACCE program.
ACCE, which stands for Access to Community College Education, is an “economic development public/private partnership that makes college available debt-free to high school and home-schooled graduates by funding NRCC tuition for two years,” according to NRCC.
“We are excited to announce that after fundraising efforts of the business community, we elected to assist NRCC ACCE for Radford,”said Chamber Executive Director Ciara Harris.
“The Radford Chamber hopes to continue to raise funds to help support the education and training of local students, to be placed into the community and work in local businesses,”said Harris. “The chamber works to understand the importance for growing and driving economic development in the NRV and for Radford through this initiative.”
Radford ACCE students, along with the Chamber Board of Directors, Radford City Public Schools officials and NRCC representatives were present for the presentation.
ACCE is open to students in Floyd County, Giles County, Montgomery County, Pulaski County or the City of Radford.
With the support of ACCE, students can graduate from NRCC with a two year degree “prepared to join the workforce or transfer to a four-year university without college debt” and “supports as many students as possible based on student need and funds available for the program,” with each locality responsible for finding public-private partnerships to pay for the students within the locality.
Students Must:
Have at least a 2.5 GPA to qualify and must maintain a 2.5 GPA while in the program.
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and complete all FAFSA generated documents.
Qualify for Virginia in-state tuition and reside in a participating locality for at least one year prior to ACCE application date.
Complete at least 80 hours of community service annually.
Maintain full-time enrollment of 12 credits.
Pay tuition and fees for credits over 15.
Purchase their own textbooks, ebooks, and other digital course materials.
Enroll in a degree or certificate program that meets federal financial aid requirements.
If you’d like to make a donation to the program on behalf of your business, please visit the Chamber website www.radfordchamber.com/about.