ATHENS, Ala. — If you are a Limestone County resident considering attending college, two organizations are accepting scholarship applications for individuals focusing on particular industry sectors. "It is a scholarship that's for career and technical education students that are focused on Construction, Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing and Health Care," said Limestone County Economic Development Association President and CEO Bethany Shockney. "We've raised the funds from a lot of our businesses and industries in the community have contributed," she said.
In addition, this is not just for students graduating from high school. "But it's also for adults that are perhaps out there interested in career opportunity changes with some jobs that we have in our area," said Shockney. As long as students are from Limestone County and focusing on Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, I.T. or Health Care they may attend any college they would like. "Those are our top four areas that have the greatest need in our community and this, even in the region," she explained.
Furthermore, Shockey said they try to look at the needs of the students. "The other important thing to note with our scholarships is this year those that received scholarships last year, we're going to give them an opportunity to renew," Shockney iterated.
Athens Limestone County Chamber of Commerce President Pammie Jimmar said they are very excited to be partnering with LCEDA for the second year. "... and we're having a night out at Trash Pandas," she said. All the proceeds from that event go toward the scholarships, said Jimmar.
Jimmar explained that LCEDA also does an big golf tournament during the fall, and all of those proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund also. "So, we're just excited to be in this great partnership to be able to offer scholarships to deserving students. The deadline for the scholarships are April 14th," she continued.
Funds for this scholarship are raised through a Night Out at Toyota Field hosted by the Chamber and LCEDA and LCEDA's annual golf tournament at Canebrake Club. Again, the deadline to apply is April 14, 2023.