Campus News keeps you informed about our latest stories, successes, and opportunities.

Last weekend, Blue Ridge Community College hosted the largest graduating class in our institution's history. This is a huge win not only for each of these graduates who are now more prepared for their careers than ever, but for their families and many local employers. At Blue Ridge, we are relentlessly focused on helping our students gain the knowledge and skills that our community and workforce needs.

That's why we're launching eight new programs in the coming months that our research has shown are or will soon be in very high demand, in fields such as healthcare, information technology, education, and more.

It's also why I'm thrilled to share with you that our Brighter Futures 'Free College' Scholarships have been extended through the end of 2023, fully covering tuition, books, and fees for eligible students. We believe that education can change your life and improve our community. And with help from numerous grants, state/federal funds, and generous donors through our Educational Foundation, we're ready to invest in you. Register for classes for our Fall Semester by August 10, and we offer continuing education/workforce training courses year-round. It's time to make a move toward a brighter future, and we'll help you get there. I invite you to visit blueridge.edu/admissions today.

Excerpt: "As a trusted partner to employers and a lifeline for students, community colleges must evolve to respond in a regional and collaborative manner. Our commitment to serving our counties in which we are located — staying within a specific service area — has been the foundation of our work. But as we’ve all come to recognize, employment and training opportunities no longer follow county boundary lines, particularly when you’re working and living in a rural area." This article was also published by Education NC and WNC Business.

Excerpt: "What experts in higher education have long acknowledged – that community colleges are essential for strong local economies – is now accepted and understood by a wider audience. And the return on investment is tangible: Blue Ridge Community College added $128.1 million to our local economy in 2019-20 alone."

Also, learn how two of these programs - Civil Engineering Technology and Environmental Engineering Technology - will help meet employer demand here in Western North Carolina.

• Kristina Richardson, Nursing

• Brett Anderson, Business Administration

• Jodi Davenport, Surgical Technology

• Joseph Hall, Nursing

• Anna Hatten, Educational Interpreting / American Sign Language

• Latisha Miller, Early Childhood Education

Chip Gould, chairman of the Blue Ridge Community College Board of Trustees, received a standing ovation as he accepted a prestigious award from the NC Office of the Governor. For his exemplary contribution to the community through volunteer service, Mr. Gould received the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service at the May 8 regular meeting of the College’s Board of Trustees. He was nominated for the award by both Blue Ridge Community College and UNC Health Pardee​.

This summer, area students are invited to attend eight summer camps hosted by Blue Ridge Community College! Registration is open through May 31, and camp fees range from only $10 to $100. Our summer camps offer fun, affordable, high-quality learning opportunities for middle and high school students. Your budding car enthusiast, future welder, machinist, entrepreneur, horticulturist, hair designer, or engineer can explore and develop their skills in one-, two- or three-day camps.

• New and expanded healthcare programs at Blue Ridge

• The Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language

• 29 Honored at Nurse Pinning Ceremony

• Blue Ridge Community College Hosts Detention Officer Graduation Ceremony

• Blue Ridge Apprenticeship Cohorts Complete Working Smart Program

• Blue Ridge Community College Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Inducts New Members

• Educational Foundation Hosts Annual Community Appreciation Breakfast

At Blue Ridge Community College, you’ll find a meaningful full- or part-time career that makes an impact and a community where lives are transformed through the power of learning. We are currently hiring for full- and part-time positions - including adjunct instructors - at all locations in Henderson and Transylvania Counties to help prepare students for successful futures. Learn more at blueridge.edu/careers.

Start your engines! Fans of classic cars and unique vehicles will hit the road on June 3 to gather at Blue Ridge Community College for the 18th annual Benefit Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free to the viewing public, all proceeds from vehicle entry fees will support students enrolled in Blue Ridge’s Automotive Technology Program as they compete in upcoming SkillsUSA automotive competitions. The event is hosted by the Great Smoky Mountains Region and Little Detroit Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America.

This summer, ‘Music by the Lake’ is back! The popular free outdoor musical concert series by Blue Ridge’s on-campus lake is an annual gift to the community. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and picnics to the bluegrass, folk, blues, and cover music events from 5-7 p.m. on several Sunday evenings. The artists include Seth and Sara Brand (June 11); Nicholas Edward Williams (June 25); Asheville Junction (July 23); Hearts Gone South (August 6); and Tuxedo Junction (Aug. 20).

Year-round, the Library of Blue Ridge Community College hosts public community events, with topics ranging from author visits to local history to gardening, and more! What's coming up? If you have a green thumb during the warmer months, don't miss the great discussions of Garden Troubleshooting (June 20), Organic Pest Control (July 18), and Seed Saving (Aug. 15). Events are added throughout the year to blueridge.edu/library.

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