Piedmont Community College (PCC) students receiving the State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) People Helping People and Bridge to Career scholarships were honored during a luncheon on December 3.

PCC students Kyaya Hughes and Erin Russell were each honored with a $1,250 People Helping People scholarship. The People Helping People scholarship was designed to assist students in each of the 58 community colleges in North Carolina seeking an associate’s degree.

“I’m truly honored to be selected as scholarship recipient.” Russell said. “It has allowed me to learn, serve, grow and step into my purpose. Unburdened, focused and ready to be pinned in 12 days. I’m truly grateful for everyone who invested and believed in me.”

SECU also presented the PCC Foundation with $18,000 that will fund 30 $500 scholarships as part of the Bridge to Career scholarship. The Bridge to Career scholarship is available to students at all 58 community colleges in North Carolina and helps remove financial barriers to students seeking state-regulated or industry-recognized credentials that lead to sustainable wages in their local communities.

“We are thrilled at the interest and growth in this program as well as the positive impact it’s making in the lives of hundreds of North Carolinians each year,” Jama Campbell, SECU Foundation Executive Director, said. “Our collaborative effort with state educators across the state is a wonderful example of how we are working together to help students achieve their educational goals and create a better future for themselves, their families, and our communities. On behalf of SECU Foundation and SECU members, we offer our congratulations to these recipients.”

For more information about the SECU People Helping People and Bridge to Career scholarships, visit piedmontcc.edu/scholarships.

Pictured left to right: Lori Watlington, Health and Wellness Director; Jean Cook, Executive Administrative Assistant, Vice President, Administrative Services/CFO & Executive Director, PCC Foundation; Tasha Williams, Enrollment Services Director; Tammy Duncan, Associate Director, Foundation Operations & Stewarship; Erin Russell, Practical Nursing student; Dr. Kevin Lee, PCC President; Tanika McKesson, SECU Senior Financial Services Officer; Kailey Oakley, Coordinator, High School Programs; Rachel Johnson, Director, Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs

Recent Posts

PCC Announces New Foundation Executive Director
Mar 2, 2026
Piedmont Community College (PCC) is pleased to announce Grayson Brann as the new Executive Director  Read More
Student Spotlight: Maritsa Gonzalez
Feb 23, 2026
Maritsa Gonzalez recalls the moment her mom congratulated her for being accepted into Governor’s School  Read More
PCC Receives $10,000 in Support of BOOST Program, Board Recognizes Community Partners at February Meeting
Feb 20, 2026
Piedmont Community College (PCC) received $10,000 in support of the Small Business Center’s BOOST (Building  Read More
A Match Made at PCC: Jessie & Jordan Butner
Feb 14, 2026
Jessie Butner didn’t anticipate on falling in love when she exchanged phone numbers with Jordan  Read More
Partners in Life and Learning: Duston & Heather Starr
Feb 13, 2026
Not many married couples can say they graduated from college side by side. For Duston  Read More

Upcoming Events

Recent Comments