Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College held a celebration on December 6 to honor student-recipients of Lowe’s Scholarships and express gratitude to the Lowe’s Foundation for their generous contribution of a $1 million Gable Grant. This remarkable grant has not only provided scholarships and tool kits to MGCCC students but has also allocated funds for crucial materials in key programs, with an additional initiative to establish a construction training program at the George County Correctional Facility in Lucedale.

As a two-year grant, its impact will continue to be felt across various programs supported by the funding, including Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC); Electrical Technology; Construction Engineering Technology; Precision Manufacturing and Machining Technology; and 3D Modeling and Design Technology.

During the celebratory event, scholarship recipients were presented with specially designed hoodies, along with a $50 Lowe’s gift card.

One noteworthy project supported by the grant is the construction of a tiny house, engaging students from each program in the building process. The construction will begin at the George County Correctional Facility in Lucedale, involving incarcerated students participating in the facility’s newly established Commercial and Residential Construction Technology program. The establishment of that program, which is scheduled to begin classes in January, is also being paid for through the grant.

“All programs included in the grant align with the common goal of MGCCC and the Lowe’s Foundation: equipping students with the skills needed for stable, high-paying jobs in industries vital to the nation’s infrastructure, especially construction trades,” remarked Dr. Jonathan Woodward, Executive Vice President of Teaching & Learning/Community Campus. “The collaboration between MGCCC and the Lowe’s Foundation is a testament to the importance of education and community partnerships in addressing the shortage of skilled trade workers.”

By empowering students with practical skills and industry expertise, MGCCC is actively contributing to the cultivation of a robust and capable workforce, essential for the nation’s economic prosperity. The Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant is not just an investment in education; it’s an investment in the future.