In a press conference today, the Union County Fiscal Court announced that it is committing $250,000 per year for the next four years (for a total of $1 million) to the local Braves to College scholarship fund. The fiscal court is showing a huge commitment to education.

Judge Jody Jenkins said, “We want students to come back to our community. By partnering with the community college- these young adults are getting a higher education and are more likely to return home. This spells out economic development.”

Dr. Kris Williams of Henderson Community College announced that the College Foundation would match half of all funds raised—meaning that they are already committed to a $500,000 match for the fiscal court’s donation.

Braves to College is a local 501c3 endowment to create scholarships for high school students who are residents of Union county. Beginning with this year’s 8th grade class (the UCHS class of 2017), all Union County graduates who meet Braves to College criteria will be eligible to receive up to $1000 per year for four consecutive years to assist with college costs. Braves to College will also assist with college costs associated with dual credit classes taken during the high school years.

Braves to College President Steve Arnett said, “This is a legacy we give our students. We can make a difference, and there are kids that will make a difference with this fund.”

In addition to the $1.5 million already committed to this fund by the fiscal court and College Foundation match, the Braves to College Steering Committee has a goal of raising another $1.5 million this year. Steering Committee Chair Robert Ervin said, “The best investment we can make in our community is for our kids."