The Good Wood Club (GWC), a charitable organization in Denver, recently hosted its 5^th Annual Holiday Luncheon, the proceeds from which were given to Lamar Community College via the Quarterly Forum (QF) Scholarship Programs. Dr. Linda Lujan, president of Lamar Community College, and Dr. Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System, were both in attendance as guests of QF.

Last spring, the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) and QF partnered to provide $150,000 in scholarships for Lamar Community College students.

The LCC Foundation will receive $150,000 in scholarship funds with $75,000 coming from COSI and $75,000 from QF.  LCC started distributing these scholarships in the 2016-2017 academic year and intends to award funds through 2018-2019.

Through its Annual Holiday Luncheon, GWC is one of the organizations generously helping to fund the Quarterly Forum’s contribution to student success. Last year’s honoree was Pueblo Community College.

In addition to helping raise funds for the $75,000 contributions, the luncheon gave the opportunity for members and guests to learn more about LCC and the Colorado Community College System, specifically, why investing in community colleges throughout the state helps everyone.

“The founders and members of the Good Wood Club are individuals who recognize the economic and social value of education,” said Dr. Lujan. “Through their stewardship and friendship with our colleges, they have been able to fund scholarships that remove financial barriers for the students of southeast Colorado. GWC’s focus on developing the next generation of leaders aligns with our goals for student success and creates opportunity for both students and our communities. I am deeply grateful for their selection of LCC as this year’s honoree.”

The QF scholarships focus on first-generation students and fulfilling local workforce needs. For Lamar Community College, those specific degree programs include career and tech education such as nursing/allied health and welding, and teaching programs.  Qualified students can receive up to $5,000 in funding per academic year.

Only 76 percent of Prowers County residents have completed high school and only 22 percent hold an associate degree or higher; compared to the statewide statistic of 90 percent of Colorado residents having completed high school and 45 percent having earned an associate degree or higher. These scholarships aim to bridge that attainment gap.

For additional information regarding the COSI and QF scholarships at Lamar Community College, or to apply, visit www.lamarcc.edu/scholarships.