Southwestern Community College’s newest academic program has received a significant boost from the Golden LEAF Foundation.
The Dental Assistant program, which debuts in SCC’s upcoming fall semester, will receive $500,000 to purchase dental equipment and supplies.
It’s part of the $1,158,333 in funding that the Golden LEAF Board of Directors has awarded this month through the Open Grants Program, which supports job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness and agriculture in Catawba, Durham, Jackson, Macon, Nash and Swain Counties.
“Golden LEAF is pleased to support workforce training projects that address skills gaps identified by local employers,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer. “The new equipment and supplies will increase Southwestern Community College’s ability to provide students in the Dental Assistant program with the knowledge and credentials they need to fill available jobs.”
Students who complete the one-year Dental Assistant program will earn a diploma from Southwestern.
“We are extremely grateful to the Golden LEAF Board of Directors for supporting our Dental Assisting career pathway,” said Dr. Don Tomas, SCC President. “Employers in the area have been asking us to start this program, and we are excited to offer this opportunity to our students because we know this will be a rewarding and fulfilling career for them.”
For more information about the Dental Assisting program at SCC, contact program coordinator Abra Brooks at 828.339.4319 or au_brooks@SouthwesternCC.edu.
