TCC’s STEM Promise Program students to benefit from Don Carey REECH Foundation gift

Tidewater Community College’s Educational Foundation is the recipient of a $2,500 gift from the Don Carey REECH Foundation that will benefit students selected to be Women’s Center STEM Promise Program scholars.

Recipients of TCC’s STEM Promise scholarship receive tuition for two years and graduate ready to enter a career or transfer to a four-year college to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The goal of the program is to increase the number of STEM degrees awarded to women and minority students, who are underrepresented in the workforce.

The REECH Foundation, founded by former NFL and Norfolk State University player Don Carey and his wife, Lakeisha, supports academic achievement and exposure to diverse areas in order to inspire youth to reach their maximum potential and become significant contributors to society.

Paige Wernig, Don Carey — TCC’s Paige Wernig with Don Carey, a Booker T. Washington graduate who played at Norfolk State University and for the Detroit Lions. He and his wife, Lakeisha, are founders of the REECH Foundation.

“We can think of no better organization than TCC to receive the first REECH award for their STEM Promise Program,” said Carey, a Booker T. Washington graduate who played eight seasons for the Detroit Lions. “The impact that TCC is having is pivotal to helping bring more of our young women into the STEM sector. The REECH Foundation counts it an honor to partner with TCC in this endeavor.”

The funds will go toward textbooks for STEM Promise Program scholarship recipients. TCC announced its third class of scholars on May 23 at a ceremony at the Virginia Beach Campus.

“We are grateful for the support and thoughtfulness of the REECH Foundation,” said Jaedda Hall, coordinator of the STEM Promise Program. “Through this generous gift, we are now able to offer our scholars financial support – not only toward tuition – but also for textbooks and supplies.”

To make a gift to the STEM Promise Program, contact Steven Jones, executive director of TCC’s Educational Foundation, at smjones@tcc.edu or 757-822-1572.