Incorporated in 1997, the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, operating with its own Articles of Incorporation and by-laws. It is the supporting arm of the College but is fiscally and organizationally separate from the College. Operations of the Foundation are conducted by the Executive Director with oversight from the Board of Directors. The Board includes the President of Eastern Shore Community College, who has ultimate control over all institutional fundraising policies.
Patty Kellam, Executive Director ESCC Foundation
757-789-1749
pkellam@es.vccs.edu
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2024 ESCC Foundation Board Members
- Jeremy McLean – President
- Rachel Kellam- Vice Presiden
- Scott Schreiber- Treasurer
- Jim Shaeffer, ESCC President – Secretary
- Peter Bale
- Gordon Campbell
- Karen Downing
- Mozella Francis
- Darrien Jamar
- Adam James
- Devon Mack
- Dr. Ron May
- Roberta Newman
- Finale Norton
- Barbara Parker
- Marcus Riley
- Calvert “Ace” Seybolt
- Marilyn Williams
- Ray Wood – Liaison ESCC College Board
Vision
To be a model for support of higher education by enabling the highest quality academic and vocational opportunities and experiences that meets the needs of the Eastern Shore community.
Mission
The mission of the Eastern Shore Community College Foundation is to make a positive difference in the lives of all Eastern Shore citizens by helping to provide the best possible learning and teaching environment.
The Mission shall be accomplished by implementation of the following Mission Objectives:
- Assist today’s students in maximizing the educational experience.
- Support ESCC in providing the highest quality, relevant educational experience.
- Encourage and enable future students to pursue and achieve their educational goals in support of the Rural Virginia initiative.
- Assist in integrating ESCC into the regional public and private sector domain to promote economic and workforce development.
- Secure enabling funding from business, government, non-profit organizations, and private individuals to support the preceding mission objectives and the Foundation’s own administrative operations.
Since its inception, the Foundation has raised close to $5 million through annual fund drives, a major gifts campaign and fund-raising events. These funds have been used to construct a new Workforce Development Center and college access road, purchase furniture and equipment, support the Project Horizons program, and increase its endowment to ensure that future students get the assistance they need to attend ESCC.
In addition, the money the Foundation raises provides ten ESCC Foundation scholarships. The Foundation also serves as the administrator for scholarships that are funded by individuals or organizations. These scholarships are a lifeline for many of our students; without them, these students would not be able to attend ESCC. Recipients of these scholarships tell the Board “This is the start of my career, thanks to your generosity” and “Your assistance will enable me to concentrate on my academic performance without having to worry about the financial burden”.
Along with the items noted above, funds raised by the Foundation are also used for a wide range of specific activities including, but not limited to, stipends for student interns, mini-grants for faculty and staff professional development and / or student activities, support of the Center for Student Achievement, computer software and hardware for instruction and support programs, classroom equipment, facilities, new programs, and College marketing efforts.
We appreciate your support of the ESCC Foundation’s goals and hope that you will continue to assist our efforts by making a donation or a pledge. Your company or organization may also have a special program which allows your donation to be matched.
There are many ways to contribute to the Foundation. Please view our comprehensive guide on Ways of Giving.
Scholarships
Scholarship packets are available after April 1st from area high school guidance counselors or from the ESCC Financial Aid Office located in the Student Services lobby of the main academic building. Check this listing of scholarships available through the ESCC Foundation or community scholarships.
Students may also apply for the Johnsen Presidential Scholarships by completing a Fillable Johnsen Presidential Scholarship Application 2024 – 2025 [Fillable PDF]or Regular Johnsen Presidential Scholarship Application 2024 – 2025 [Regular PDF].
Students may apply for any of the following scholarships by completing a Fillable ESCCF General Scholarship Application 2024 – 2025 [Fillable PDF] or Regular ESCCF General Scholarship Application 2024 – 2025[Regular PDF].
Deadline for receipt of the completed application is generally mid-May for the following fall semester and mid-November for the following spring semester.
Mini-Grant Program for Faculty and Staff
The objective of Mini-Grant program is to provide support to faculty and staff as they engage in strategies to promote their own professional development, and/or student success. Any faculty or staff member may apply for funding. The Foundation budgets $2,500 annually for mini-grants. The intent is to fund several smaller grants throughout the year. The total budget request from any one faculty or staff member should not exceed $750 per academic year. Funding will be provided on the basis of the rationale presented in the proposal. Each applicant must provide a written report upon completion of the Mini-Grant.
Guidelines for Mini-Grant Submission
2024 Deadlines:
March 15 for notification March 21
May 3 for notification May 17
July 5 for notification July 18
September 6 for notification September 19
November 8 for notification November 21
January 3 for notification January 16, 2025
The remainder of 2025 deadlines will be determined when the Foundation Board sets the meeting schedule in November 2024.
Applications should be submitted to Patty Kellam by the deadline. Please note that approval by Department Chair and/or Vice President is required before you submit. For more information, please see the application, or contact pkellam@es.vccs.edu.