The Runway 5k is returning to the Asheville Airport to celebrate its 60th anniversary. The "flattest 5K in the mountains" will be held on the west side of the airfield on Saturday, October 9 at 2 p.m. We are thrilled that proceeds from this event will go to the A-B Tech Aviation Fund Scholarship!

"Supporting aviation education is important to us, and western North Carolina is fortunate to have a local aviation management program at A-B Tech, as well as a flight school. Both scholarship funds will assist local students who are interested in pursuing careers in this exciting industry," Lew Bleiweis, Executive Director of the Asheville Airport, told WLOS.

Visit https://flyavl.com/Runway5K to learn more about this exciting event!

We are so excited to spotlight a new Cosmetology Program scholarship created by A-B Tech alum Colleen Webster, the Webster Scholarship Award. We are always thrilled when A-B Tech alumni reach out to us to support our current and future students.

Colleen writes, "As an alumni of the A-B Tech College Cosmetology Program, it is my wish to give back and help in areas that have helped me achieve my goals. Reaching one's full potential and pursuing dreams has been a common theme and priority in my life. A-B Tech has provided me with a great education and training in which to build a successful career. It is my dream to inspire and support others in their own success. Education helps those wanting to help themselves by allowing a pathway. Access to education and training supports individuals, creates stability and ultimately builds a stronger community."

Thank you Colleen for your support of A-B Tech and our future Cosmetology students!

The Foundation is excited to continue our partnership with Bank of America to expand the college’s Skills Training Employment Program (STEP), which aims to offer clearly defined career pathways and job placement to low-to moderate-income individuals.

STEP provides Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants access to curriculum and programming, which includes occupational skills training, English-language education, basic literacy instruction and academic courses necessary to towards earning a two-year associates degree. The program provides individual case management services to prepare those potential workers to fill specific local hiring needs and worker shortages in Western North Carolina.

Bank of America’s $50,000 investment both provides direct support for STEP program participants and aligns with the company’s commitment to advance economic mobility and racial equality by helping to address issues facing women and communities of color. More than half of STEP participants are racial or ethnic minorities and the vast majority, 89%, are women.

Read more here.