NCA&T Lands $500K Hardship Fund Addendum from GSK Foundation

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University got a $500,000 boost to its Aggie Commitment Trailblazer Scholars (ACTS) program, building on an initial gift of $1.5 million provided by the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation.

The fund addendum is intended to support the financial needs of up to 120 STEM-studying students who will benefit from unforeseen financial stress that could impact their ability to complete their degrees at the university.

NCA&T’s ACTS program provides students who meet a specific set of criteria, and transfer from one of 11 North Carolina community colleges, with full in-state tuition and a suite of supportive tools designed to help support their success.

“An investment to increase opportunities and transitions in support of a strong STEM workforce is vital,” said Nancy Johnston, executive director of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center’s Piedmont Triad Office. “Equally important are the individuals who successfully complete their degrees and contribute to our diverse and growing life-sciences economy.”

ACTS team member support goes beyond NCA&T, extending to similar programs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. Students at both universities are also receiving hardship funds from the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation to support students in need who transfer from local community colleges. 

The hardship funds allocated this month commemorate the 35th anniversary of the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation. Since its inception in 1986, it has committed more than $80 million to advance science, health and education across North Carolina with approximately $3 million in grants awarded to North Carolina non-profits each year.