Private foundation gift will help LCC students secure reliable transportation

KINSTON, Lenoir County — A North Carolina private family foundation has granted the Lenoir Community College Foundation $250,000 to commemorate a former trustee's two decades of service to the organization and to help college students access reliable transportation.

“I am grateful to have served as a Trustee of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation,” said John O. McNairy. “While I was fortunate to assist the Foundation in investing in various communities across North Carolina, I am a longtime resident of Lenoir County and have a great appreciation for this part of the state. Cars for College will support students attending Lenoir Community College who have demonstrated that they are committed to attaining an education and have created a plan to carry out their future goals. This is a collaborative program, spearheaded by Lenoir Community College Foundation, that I am confident will result in countless opportunities for young people.”

The gift will allow the Lenoir Community College Foundation to help launch its Cars for College program, which will help LCC students access a safe and dependable vehicle. The idea of Cars for College was developed when officials say transportation was identified as a primary factor in students not completing educational programs or continuing enrollment in degree programs. The goal of this program is to assure that low-income working students have access to safe, legal, affordable, and dependable vehicles to get them to college and work instead of purchasing a one-way ticket for every stop they make on the local bus service or having to depend on someone else for a ride to campus.

“We are very thankful of this award as it will make a significant difference to our students and to the communities we serve by assisting those who may not have an opportunity to get an education and training because of transportation and financial barriers,” said LCC President Dr. Rusty Hunt. “With reliable transportation, low-income working students can experience success as members of the workforce. Without it, they will struggle each day to reach the jobs, classes, or training that could bring them economic security. We are appreciative of John’s (McNairy) longtime support of the College and its Foundation and we are excited to launch this new initiative that will help our students in achieving a more productive future.”

The Cars for College program will launch in early 2020, during the spring semester.

The foundation will acquire vehicles and turn them over to the college’s Automotive Systems Technology program. They will perform a diagnostic check and any needed repairs will be made, then officials say the vehicle will be sold to a student who qualifies for the Cars for College program at a projected cost of $4,000 or less per car.

Students will apply to the program through the NCWorks Career Center, which will assess the student's needs, resources, and work history, and provide counseling regarding training, employment, and job placement services.

Cars for College expects to provide vehicles for more than 20 eligible students during its first three years.