Ozarka College recently received a $30,000 donation from the Stone County Community Resource Council (SCCRC). The donation will be used to support Ozarka's Technical Center expansion in Mountain View.   The contribution will complete a $45,000 pledged commitment as naming sponsor for the Welding Lab at the new technical center. The generous gift will support outfitting welding booths and additional ventilation.  

"The generous support provided by the Stone County Community Resource Council will greatly impact our ability to provide technical training to students in Stone County this fall and beyond, " said Dr. Josh Wilson, vice president of advancement. "Ozarka's response to industry needs in Mountain View was met immediately with strong SCCRC support for the Welding center in 2022 and again with the announcement of our new technical center expansion. We are extremely grateful for our friends at SCCRC. "

The SCCRC is comprised of volunteers who collect, sort, and donate items through the Dorcas House Thrift Store where most of the items are sold for just 25-cents each or $2.00 per bag. These small purchases really add up; so much that they have brought the total donations from the SCCRC for Ozarka College students to an incredible $175,000! Of the total donated, $130,000 has been designated for scholarships and $45,000 for priority College enhancements.  

The new Technical Center in Mountain View is an expansion to serve the greater Mountain View area. The Center will house a new Skilled Trades program and an expanded welding center. The new Center will provide education for college students in preparation for today's workforce, will assist local industries with continuing education needs for their employees, and will enable area high school students an accelerated pathway into high-demand career fields.

Ozarka is a designated regional Secondary Technical Center which allows the College to offer secondary technical training to area high school students.   Secondary technical centers are a vital resource for career pathways for high school students.

The commitment from SCCRC is a contribution toward Ozarka College Foundation's Vision for Excellence in Education campaign, an effort to raise capital to advance programs as well as furnish and equip state-of-the-art facilities.   If you are interested in supporting these new technical education opportunities, there are multiple ways to give. For more information, contact Dr. Wilson with the Ozarka College Foundation at 870.368.2060 or at advancement@ozarka.edu.

 

Photo Caption: (L-R) Barbara Herman, Stone County Community Resource vice president; Gay St. Yves, Stone County Community Resource Council president.