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NCTC Foundation reaches $100,000 campaign goal, receives match from Engelstad Family Foundation

Foundation

NCTC Foundation reaches $100,000 campaign goal, receives match from Engelstad Family Foundation

The $200,000 endowment marks the largest campaign in 43 year history of the NCTC Foundation

Pictured left to right: Lars Dyrud, Executive Director of the NCTC Foundation and Dr. Dennis Bona, NCTC President


APRIL 23, 2018 – The Northland Community & Technical College (NCTC) Foundation is pleased to announce that it has met the challenge from the Engelstad Family Foundation to raise $100,000 to establish the Never Too Late Scholarship for older than average students. That amount has been matched by the Engelstad Family Foundation to create a new $200,000 scholarship endowment fund. The Never Too Late Scholarship campaign marks the largest in the 43 year history of the NCTC Foundation.

The Never Too Late Scholarship will provide funds to students who are 23 years of age or older. These students often do not qualify for traditional financial aid and have little choice but to work part-time, or full-time while earning a credential at NCTC. The $200,000 endowment will provide $8,000 per year in scholarship dollars to be distributed to NCTC students at both the East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls campuses.

“I’m so very pleased and proud of the way faculty, staff and community members stepped up and supported this wonderful opportunity afforded to us by the generosity of the Engelstad Foundation,” said Dr. Dennis Bona, President of NCTC. “It’s a testament to the resolve we have to help those who desire to improve themselves.”

Even though NCTC is an affordable institution, financial challenges still exist for many students. In Fall 2009, 51% of NCTC’s students were enrolled full-time, but by Fall 2016, that number had dropped significantly to just 39%. Students cite the need to work as a reason for this trend. Scholarships can make a significant difference providing a lifeline to help students cover tuition, which results in less required income to make ends meet.

This campaign has raised awareness of the obstacles our older than average students face, and our donors have responded with their support.


Lars Dyrud, Executive Director of the NCTC Foundation expressed appreciation to the Engelstad Family Foundation and to those who contributed to the campaign goal. “Not many people realize that the average age of our students at NCTC is twenty-five years old. This campaign has raised awareness of the obstacles our older than average students face, and our donors have responded with their support. Thanks to the Engelstad Foundation and our contributors, many students will benefit from this fund.”

The NCTC Foundation will continue to accept donations to build the Never Too Late Scholarship fund. Donations can be mailed to the NCTC Foundation, 1101 Highway One E, Thief River Falls, MN 56701, or online at nctcfoundation.com. Pledges can also be made to accommodate payments over time. No administrative fees are taken from donated funds.

The NCTC Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to support the college by providing opportunities for contributors to invest in and enhance the educational experience of NCTC’s students. The Foundation also owns and operates NCTC’s student housing complex in Thief River Falls.

For more information about the NCTC Foundation, contact Lars Dyrud, Executive Director of the NCTC Foundation, at 218-683-8616, info@nctcfoundation.com, or www.nctcfoundation.com.