HAMLET — More than 200 high school seniors have qualified for the Richmond Community College Guarantee for two years free college tuition at the school, according to Dr. Dale McInnis, president of the college.

McInnis informed the college’s board of trustees this week that these students who are on track to receive the guarantee would be celebrated at an event hosted by the college on April 28.

“We want to recognize these motivated students who have taken our college classes and achieved a 3.0 grade-point average or better in order to qualify for the RichmondCC Guarantee,” McInnis said. “We also are going to recognize the Guarantors, the many donors who have given to our scholarships and are helping to make this initiative possible.”

The celebration will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. April 28 at the Cole Auditorium. The public is invited to attend and learn more about how students qualify for the guarantee and to explore interactive displays of all the college’s programs and services. Faculty and staff will be on hand to discuss programs of study and career opportunities.

“We want this celebration of our guarantee to inspire and motivate our young people to put in the work and make good grades, and we will reward them with two years of free college tuition for that effort,” McInnis said.

In other business, trustees approved two new concentrations for the Human Services Technology program, adding five new courses to each track of study.

Beginning this summer, students in the Human Services program can opt to concentrate in social services or substance abuse. According to Public Services Department Chair April Chavis-Johnson, these specialty areas were recommended by the Advisory Committee, which is made up of local employers in the human services field. Currently, there are 17 positions open locally that require skills in social services or substance abuse, she said.

“Adding these concentrations to our program is a direct response to employers in the social services area and the skill set they need for an effective workforce,” McInnis said.

McInnis also told the board that Connect NC campaign has kicked into high gear its efforts to promote the passage of the $2 billion bond that would fund higher education, state parks, agriculture and infrastructure in North Carolina. The bond vote is March 15

McInnis said the bond, if passed, would provide RCC with $7.22 million for long-standing facility improvements and renovations. He reported to the Board of Trustees about his activities in support of the bond, including speaking at local civic groups, city and county meetings.

Trustees passed a resolution of support for the Connect NC Bond in November and has also worked to educate individuals about the positive impact the bond would have on Richmond and Scotland counties.

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held at 7 p.m. April 5 at the Honeycutt Center in Laurinburg.

Wylie Bell

For The Exchange

Wylie Bell is director of marketing and communications for Richmond Community College