Burke Collegiate Scholars Program Sets Student Up For Success.

Cameron Greene was chosen as a Burke Collegiate Scholar when she was a fifth grader attending Mull Elementary School. The Burke Collegiate Scholars program identifies academically able rising sixth graders in Burke County Public Schools who are potential first-generation college students. One student is chosen from each elementary school to receive mentoring, counseling, and enrichment activities through the Educational Talent Search program during their middle and high-school years. Once they graduate from high school, the Scholars are offered a full scholarship to Western Piedmont Community College for up to five consecutive semesters. The awards are made based on academic potential, leadership skills and financial need.

“I felt very flattered by the decision and proud of myself for being recognized for this honor, which in turn increased my confidence toward my academic abilities,” Cameron Greene said. “Although I did not fully realize as a fifth grader that I was going to be given this amazing college opportunity, I was still excited to be awarded this title and be provided with the support of ETS throughout the next stages of my educational journey.”

The Educational Talent Search program takes students on a variety of educational and recreational field trips to help prepare them for the college experience. Greene said ETS staff provided her with a wealth of information, including pamphlets on subjects such as time management, testing skills and college preparation.

“I have kept many of the pamphlets and have referred back to in instances where I need advice on college topics,” Greene said. “These guidelines and student meetings with ETS benefitted my ability to perform well in school. It impacted my general mindset about education by encouraging me to continue associating determination and hard work with the concept of furthering my knowledge.”

Greene graduated from Patton High School in 2023 and came to explore her academic interests at Western Piedmont Community College.

“I was familiar with the coursework and expectations through my experience taking College and Career Promise classes during my junior and senior years at PHS,” Greene said. “I hold a high opinion of the education provided through this opportunity, and it made the decision of where I wanted to start my college journey much easier. Additionally, I was very enticed by completing my first two years at a community college instead of a university because of the difference in prices. I made the decision to limit my student debt as much as possible, so as to take every opportunity to foster growth and gain.”

She will graduate this May with an Associate in Arts degree.

“My experience at WPCC so far has been both enlightening and enjoyable, as I have found the classes to be engaging, the resources to be beneficial. and the administrative staff to be especially helpful,” Greene said. “I want to shout out my academic advisor for my first year, Jordan Lowe, as he is one of the reasons I was able to accurately plan out my schedule and access opportunities, such as the extension of my BCS student scholarship.”

She will return to WPCC in the fall of 2024 to start working on her Associate in Business Administration degree.

“WPCC’s choice to continue funding my academic journey through this second associate degree has given me the opportunity to further expand my education and help me prepare for a future in business,” Greene said. “I aspire to be trained to work in various positions such as management, human resources, marketing, etc.”

She expressed appreciation for the financial support of the Western Piedmont Foundation, which sponsors the BCS program, in helping her achieve her career goals without taking on a daunting amount of debt.

“If I had not been awarded the BCS scholarship, I would most likely have a much higher amount of student debt to pay off. I was eager to learn about any possibilities for financial aid to diminish how much would need to be paid for college.” Greene said. “I feel as though I have been readily prepared to dive into the world of adult life. Much of this is, in part, is the outcome of receiving the BCS scholarship and being involved in the ETS program and the plethora of academic resources they provide for students all throughout their middle school, high school and even into their college experience. I may not have been able to make it as far in my educational journey if not for being awarded this scholarship.”

To learn more about the Burke Collegiate Scholars program or to donate, visit wpcc.edu/foundation or call 828-448-3123.