Southeastern Community College Secures $200K Grant to Launch Mobile Welding Lab for High School Students

WHITEVILLE, NC — Southeastern Community College has received a $200,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation to expand welding instruction for high school students across Columbus County.

The funding, awarded through Golden LEAF’s Open Grants Program, will support the creation of a mobile welding lab equipped with tools, supplies, and instructor training. The lab will allow SCC to deliver hands-on technical education directly to high school campuses and community sites, helping students earn industry-recognized credentials and prepare for high-demand careers.

“Strengthening the workforce pipeline in rural areas requires intentional strategies that connect students to meaningful career pathways,” said Golden LEAF President and CEO Scott T. Hamilton. “SCC’s mobile welding lab will increase access to instruction aligned with employer demand and equip participants for quality jobs in Columbus County and beyond.”

Dr. Brandon Jenkins, SCC’s Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, said the initiative will significantly expand the college’s reach.

“The addition of this mobile lab will give us much greater flexibility and agility to serve not only our high school partners and students, but also our community,” Jenkins said.

The grant was part of $17.3 million in funding announced during Golden LEAF’s February board meeting, supporting projects focused on job creation, workforce development, agriculture, and economic investment across North Carolina.

SCC credited faculty and staff for their collaborative efforts in securing the grant, with special recognition to Carol Ann Lydon for leading the proposal process, and Mike Ammons, Paul Starnes, and Angie Ransom for contributing data and support.

Golden LEAF’s Open Grants Program awarded three projects totaling $1.2 million statewide, including initiatives in Catawba, Columbus, and Mitchell counties.

Since its founding in 1999, the Golden LEAF Foundation has invested approximately $1.5 billion in more than 2,300 projects aimed at boosting economic opportunity in rural and economically distressed communities across North Carolina.

Southeastern Community College plans to deploy the mobile welding lab in the coming months, continuing its mission to deliver hands-on training and strengthen the regional workforce.