HENDERSONVILLE - For those seeking employment or a career transition following Hurricane Helene, a new ‘Build Your Future Grant’ opportunity can fully fund tuition and fees for most courses and programs this spring at Blue Ridge Community College. While resources are available, all certificate, diploma and two-year associate degree programs are eligible for the grant, as well as Short-Term Training courses offered through the Workforce Continuing Education division. Build Your Future Grant applications for all certificate, diploma and two-year associate degree programs will be accepted starting Friday, November 15, as part of the enrollment process for eligible students affected by Hurricane Helene. New students must first complete their Blue Ridge applications at BlueRidge.edu/Admissions, and later complete the Build Your Future Grant application with instructions available at BlueRidge.edu/Build. Returning students will use their scholarship portal to apply, and spring semester classes start January 9, 2024. Grant applications for Workforce Continuing Education students will be accepted starting Dec. 2, when spring course registration information is posted to BlueRidge.edu/CE. More information is available at BlueRidge.edu/Build. "The Build Your Future Grant represents a vital opportunity for individuals in our community ready to rebuild, re-skill or advance their careers following the challenges brought by Hurricane Helene,” said Dr. Scott Queen, Blue Ridge’s vice president for economic and workforce development. “Through this support, Blue Ridge Community College is helping students gain the skills and certifications they need to make a lasting impact in our local workforce – at no cost. We're committed to being a trusted local resource for those who are ready to take the next step forward in their careers and lives.” The Build Your Future Grant is made possible by state funds secured by the North Carolina Community College System. Awards are given on a first-come first-served basis while funding is available. Additional scholarships remain available through the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, with further information available at BlueRidge.edu/Scholarships. "We are deeply grateful to the North Carolina General Assembly for recognizing the needs of our community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and for assigning these critical funds to help students, their families and our workforce,” said Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood. “Through the Build Your Future Grant, Blue Ridge Community College can provide accessible, high-quality training at a time when it is needed most. This grant not only empowers individuals to rebuild their lives but also strengthens the resilience of our local economy and future workforce." Building Workforce Pathways This past year, Blue Ridge added several new programs to its lineup of more than 200 degrees, diplomas and certificates in 30 areas of study. These included practical nursing, civil engineering technology, environmental engineering technology, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, elementary education residency and medical office administration. Blue Ridge’s Transylvania County Campus now offers respiratory therapy in partnership with Southwestern Community College. These pathways provide students with a strong academic foundation and career flexibility, either preparing them directly for the workforce or equipping them to transfer credits to a four-year institution. The full program list is online at BlueRidge.edu/Programs. Additionally, Blue Ridge’s Workforce Continuing Education programs provide accelerated occupational training to enter the workforce or advance careers. In as little as a month, students can earn industry-recognized certifications and credentials in high-demand fields like business, construction, healthcare, food safety, real estate, information technology, manufacturing, transportation, engineering and more. Other WCE programs, such as Public Safety Training, can also be free to students through a state waiver with a sponsoring agency. Application Information Grant eligibility and application information is available at www.BlueRidge.edu/Build. Returning Blue Ridge students are encouraged to speak with their advisors or the Student Services team for course registration assistance. New students can begin the application process at BlueRidge.edu/Admissions, or contact the Admissions Office at 828-694-1800 or [email protected] for help in choosing a program and applying for financial aid. Workforce Continuing Education course and registration information is listed at BlueRidge.edu/CE. | 
