Administrators and staff at the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center (SCCTC) had to get creative to give 160 students a meaningful graduation ceremony this year. On June 16, graduates representing seven school districts in Susquehanna and Wyoming counties decorated their vehicles and participated in a graduation procession across the campus in Springville.
“It was the best way to say ‘goodbye’ and ‘good luck’ and let them know that we are there for anything that they need,” said Dr. Alice Davis, Executive Director of SCCTC. A virtual graduation was considered in light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, but graduating via the computer just didn’t seem appropriate. “They are hands-on individuals, so this gave them better closure.”
Creativity is also the key to helping many students attending SCCTC complete their educations when the cost of supplies for trades educations and testing for certifications threatens to derail their plans. Scholarships, financial support of dual enrollment programs, and donations of materials help both students and administrators stay within budgets.
Cabot has been a generous contributor for almost a decade through Commonwealth Charitable Management (CCM). With headquarters in Susquehanna County’s seat of Montrose, CCM helps businesses like ours maximize the benefits of donations through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program.
We have provided 52 scholarships totaling $19,305 over the past two years and an additional $7,000 for dual enrollment programs, assisting approximately 15 students. This spring, we provided an additional $7,500 in assistance to the school to purchase technology for students in need so they could continue their school work while schools were closed.
Completion of the 2019-20 school year at SCCTC was very important to us and our partners because we hire many of the graduates based on their certifications. I’m thrilled that SCCTC found an alternative way for the students to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments. It’s wonderful to see these students graduating and beginning new careers.
“The nearly $20,000 in scholarships from Cabot paid for tools, uniforms, testing fees, etc. for students who participated in any program at SCCTC,” Melissa Turlip, CCM’s Program Director, explained. “The dual enrollment funding helped students earn college credit while attending high school, giving them experience with college classes as well as credits to be used toward an advanced degree.”
“Our students are so fortunate for the continued support from Cabot Oil & Gas,” Davis added. “Their partnership with SCCTC has benefited many students over the years in all program areas. Many graduates’ dreams are realized through this tremendous support.” We are proud to announce that Cabot has already pledged $50,000 in scholarships for the 2020-21 school year.
