Stanly Community College is one of 28 organizations to benefit from grants as part of a $152,100 award.

In 2014, Carolina Farm Credit established the Corporate Mission Fund to provide grants to local, non-profit agriculture-related organizations and scholarships to North Carolina college agriculture students.

SCC was awarded a $1,500 grant, which will go toward experimental learning in its agribusiness program. The grant will be used to add vertical hydroponic growing towers to the campus greenhouses. These towers will allow the group to make the most out of their greenhouse space by growing vegetables and herbs in less time, with a smaller ecological footprint.

“Stanly Community College is grateful to Carolina Farm Credit for this grant,” said John Enamait, SCC president. “The hydroponic system will not only aid our students in the agribusiness program learn how this growing technique works, but it will aid our students who struggle putting food on their table.

“The harvest from the hydroponic system will be made available through Stanly Community College’s food pantry, which assists students in need,” he added.

Nearly 100 grant applications were received for the program in 2018, and awards were granted in the last quarter. In addition to the organizational recipients, 12 college students received grant awards, too.

“Our Corporate Mission Fund allows us an opportunity to support grass roots organizations that are making a difference in their rural communities,” said Vance Dalton, CEO of Carolina Farm Credit. “We are also thrilled to be able to support these college students furthering their education with the scholarships.”

The association will begin advertising again for this grant program in January, with a luncheon for all grant recipients slated for May.