Students from Northeastern Technical College prepare to depart for Columbia to attend a recent rally in support and appreciation of the Lottery Tuition Assistance program.  Picture from left to right are Sandra Ellis, of Cheraw; Angellica Ford, of Cheraw; Carolyn Simmons, of Bennettsville; Marlene Ponce, of Ruby; Darlene Cottingham, of Cheraw; Charles Quick, of Bennettsville; Courtni Evans, of Chesterfield.

January 29, 2009
NETC Students Travel to Columbia to Rally Behind LTA Program

Students and staff from Northeastern Technical College joined hundreds of other students from the South Carolina Technical College system last week at the State House in Columbia.  The students were rallying in support and appreciation of Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA), a program that more than 30 percent of SC technical college students rely on to attend college.

More than 50 percent of the students attending Northeastern Technical College rely on the LTA program. 

“Without the help of LTA, I would not be able to come to school and pursue the training I need to build a career,” said Angellica Ford, of Cheraw.  “LTA is the difference between me being here or not.”

Ford is currently enrolled in Northeastern Technical College’s practical nursing program and is planning to enter the workforce as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in January 2010. 

“One in three technical college students rely on LTA to achieve their career goals.  Career goals that will help build a skilled workforce for our future,” said Dr. Barry Russell, president of the SC Technical College System in addressing the crowd of students assembled on the State House steps. 

“We appreciate the General Assembly’s foresight in creating this program and their continued support and consistent funding of LTA is vital to ensuring that a quality higher education is accessible and affordable for all South Carolinians.”

For more photos and video from the LTA Rally, please visit LTA - 1 in 3 Facebook site:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/LTA-1-in-3/59095749104?sid=fc0ce89278fe397a6d1c9e968ef1cfb6&ref=s

For more stories about the LTA Rally, please visit the following SC Technical College System webpage:
http://www.sctechsystem.edu/news/archive/1.28.09.html