The Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia is partnering with four local community colleges to raise awareness of tuition-free, postsecondary education opportunities for recent high school graduates in the area.
The Wellspring Foundation has launched a public service announcement campaign, “Find Your PATH to a Tuition-Free Education,” which promotes scholarships and other programs that cover the cost of tuition for eligible students offered at the following community colleges: • Mountain Empire Community College (Big Stone Gap, Va.) • Southwest Virginia Community College (Cedar Bluff, Va.) • Virginia Highlands Community College (Abingdon, Va.) • Wytheville Community College (Wytheville, Va.)
The campaign, which will run from mid-February through March, directs those who are interested to visit swvapath.com, where they will select their county of residence in order to be connected to the websites of the participating community colleges to get more information. Sean McMurray, Executive Director of the Wellspring Foundation, said, “The PATH campaign aims to raise awareness about local, free education opportunities and, ultimately, shift perceptions regarding the affordability of college. There is a portion of our young adult population who has never really considered college due to the expense. We want to make sure they know that tuition-free college education is 100% attainable right here, close to home.” Wellspring Foundation Board Vice Chair, Dr. JoAnn Price, added, “This campaign aligns perfectly with our overall vision to promote a healthy, thriving Southwest Virginia through purposeful partnerships.
Education and workforce development are key areas of interest to the Wellspring Foundation and our local community colleges are designed and equipped to address the major workforce needs in our region. The Foundation was pleased to be able to collaborate with these fine institutions on such an important project.” Southwest Virginia Community College Interim President, Dr. Vickie Ratliff said, “We are thankful to the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia for funding this campaign. Affordable, high-quality education is truly available to recent high school graduates in Southwest Virginia, and it is important that we get that message out to the community.”
“Each college offers different tuition-free programs designed to help anyone who wants to go to community college after high school graduation,” said Dr. Dean Sprinkle, President of Wytheville Community College.
“These programs can cover not only an associate’s degree but also trade certifications and other training. When more students go to college, our region’s future is brighter.” Dr. Adam Hutchison, President of Virginia Highlands Community College, said, “The PATH campaign highlights the incredible opportunities available through tuition-free education at our local community colleges. We are thrilled to see more students empowered to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial barriers.” “We are excited to work together with our sister community colleges on this initiative,” said Dr. Kristen Westover, Mountain Empire Community College President. “This campaign not only highlights the availability of many tuition-free programs at each institution but also shows the high level of collaboration among the region’s community colleges.”
The PATH ad campaign will be placed on local billboards, radio stations, social media channels and various digital platforms, including YouTube. Although the tuition-free programs offered at the community colleges in Southwest Virginia are primarily for recent high school graduates, other scholarships are often available for non-traditional age, adult students that cover a significant portion of tuition costs. Learn more by visiting swvapath.com.
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About the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia Established in the fall of 2021, the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia exists to enhance the health and wellbeing of Virginia residents of Washington, Grayson, Russell and Smyth counties by cultivating goal-oriented partnerships. For more information, visit www.wellspringva.org