Since Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) awarded the first scholarship from its Levine Scholarship Endowment in 2003, nearly 900 students have received much-needed assistance with achieving their career training and educational goals.

Created by a grant from The Leon Levine Foundation (TLLF), cumulative Levine Scholarships awards now total more than $2.1 million. With a current market value of more than $5 million, the Levine Scholarship Endowment represents the largest permanent source of financial assistance for students at Central Piedmont.

"Having the opportunity to go to a great college and get a solid foundation for the rest of my education without having to worry about the cost has been a tremendous help in making college happen for me. And being part of a community of scholars has really shaped my college experience for the better as well," said Ren Lane, a CPCC Levine Scholar and Providence High School graduate who is pursuing an associate in arts degree.

According to Levine Scholar Adam Penninger, a graduate of West Mecklenburg High School, "I attended CPCC from the fall 2006 term through the fall 2008 term. During this time, I did not qualify for any forms of federal or state aid, even though I came from a low-income household. The Levine Scholarship provided access to higher education I wouldn't have been able to obtain otherwise.

"Today I work in the financial aid office at CPCC," Penninger added. "I see directly the impact the Levine Scholarship had upon myself and continue to see its positive impact on students. Many of these students have no funding at all, and others don't have enough to cover all of their expenses."

Tom Lawrence, executive director of TLLF, said, "Investing in need-based scholarships for bright, ambitious students aligns closely with TLLF's mission. We take great pride in partnering with CPCC and hope the impact of these scholarships is felt for years to come."

CPCC, one of the largest community colleges in the Carolinas, offers nearly 300 degree, diploma and certification programs; customized corporate training; market-focused continuing education; and special interest classes. The college enrolls more than 56,000 annually in for-credit programs.

"I often say CPCC is in the life-transformation business. CPCC is the hope many of our students are seeking. Hope of a better job, better wage, better life, and better provisions for their family," Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, CPCC president, explained. "Partners and benefactors like The Leon Levine Foundation make it possible for the college to carry out its important mission.

"On behalf of the college and the nearly 900 CPCC students who have received much-needed assistance through the Levine Scholarship Endowment, I say 'thank you.' The positive impact that has been made and will be made is immeasurable," Deitemeyer added.

The Levine Scholarship Endowment is a significant source of financial assistance for CPCC students annually. The college encourages anyone who is interested in pursuing additional education and career training, but lacks financial resources, to complete a CPCC application, and talk with a staff member in the college's Financial Aid Department.