SCC Foundation Receives Grant from Vulcan Materials Company to Support Welding Students

Spartanburg Community College Foundation Receives Grant from Vulcan Materials Company to Support Welding Students

SPARTANBURG, SC – Spartanburg Community College (SCC) is pleased to announce that the SCC Foundation has received a grant from Vulcan Materials Company to support the College’s Local Talent to Strong Careers pilot program,
an initiative designed to reduce financial barriers for students pursuing careers in high-demand industries.

Initiated by SCC’s Career Services, in coordination with the SCC Foundation, the initiative will provide financial assistance to help students purchase the tools and materials required for their academic programs. The pilot will initially focus on welding students, helping offset the cost of essential welding kits needed for hands-on training and career preparation.

“At Vulcan Materials Company, we are proud to partner with the Spartanburg Community College Foundation through our support of the 'Local Talent to Strong Careers Welding Pilot Program.' By helping to remove financial barriers and investing in hands-on training, we are committed to empowering the next generation of skilled professionals and strengthening the workforce and communities we serve,” said Elliott Botzis, Vice President and General Manager for South Carolina.

The initiative addresses a significant financial challenge for students entering skilled trades programs. During the 2025–2026 academic year, 255 students enrolled in SCC welding courses, with approximately 88% eligible for financial
aid. While financial aid helps cover educational expenses, students may still face substantial out-of-pocket costs for specialized equipment and materials required for their programs.

“For many students, the cost of required tools and equipment can create barriers before they even begin their educational journey,” said Sydney Cooke, Executive Director of the Spartanburg Community College Foundation. “The generosity of partners like Vulcan Materials Company demonstrates the powerful impact community partnerships can have on student success. By helping remove financial barriers and providing students with the resources they need to succeed, this investment reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities, strengthening the workforce, and building a stronger future for our communities.”

“This investment by Vulcan Materials Company is about more than purchasing tools. It is about creating opportunities, building strong futures for our students, and strengthening the communities we serve,” said Dr. Michael Mikota,
President of Spartanburg Community College.

Beyond providing financial assistance, the partnership will create opportunities to connect SCC students with potential career pathways at Vulcan Materials Company through recruitment resources, career mentorship, and employer engagement activities.

The partnership also reflects SCC’s longstanding connection to local industry. Gary Maynor, Plant Manager of Vulcan Materials Company’s Lyman Quarry, earned his welding certification from SCC, highlighting the College’s role in developing skilled professionals who contribute to the region’s workforce. Maynor is pictured on the far right in the photo below.

Although welding serves as the starting point for the initiative, SCC, in coordination with the SCC Foundation, hopes to expand Local Talent to Strong Careers to support students in additional programs, including dental, mechatronics, culinary arts, and other career-focused fields that require specialized tools and materials.

The initiative reflects SCC's ongoing commitment to student success, workforce readiness, and building meaningful partnerships with employers throughout the region.

Through continued collaboration with industry and community partners, SCC aims to make career and technical education more accessible while preparing students to meet the evolving workforce needs of the Upstate.

Discover the SCC Welding Program