Congressman Don Davis Announces over $2.1 Million for Student Support at Halifax Community College

Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) visited Halifax Community College to announce the award of a $2,182,035 Postsecondary and Economic Development grant from the U.S. Department of Education. 

"We must ensure young people receive the critical support necessary to succeed. Halifax Community College is paving the way through this critical federal investment to better connect our students to the workforce and the American dream," said Congressman Davis. "Through this grant, we can learn how to better serve students across the region. Everyone in northeastern North Carolina deserves a fair shot."   

The grant award will empower Halifax Community College to establish a Student Academic Support Center, providing vital support services and creating educational and career opportunities for students. 

Halifax Community College Board of Trustees members, faculty, and Halifax County Superintendent Dr. Eric Cunningham attended the check presentation. Congressman Davis invited Vice President of Workforce and Operations Dr. Sinclair Nicholson, who authored the grant, and Student Government Association Vice President Christopher Creecy to join President Patrena Elliott and him in presenting the check.

“Christopher is why we are here. He represents all students, and our commitment to them,” said Congressman Davis. 

[Congressman Don Davis presents a grant check to Halifax Community College officials. From left to right: Congressman Don Davis; Christopher Creecy, SGA Vice President and early college student at Northampton County Early College; Dr. Patrena Elliott, President; and Sinclair Nicholson, Vice President of Workforce and Operations and grant author]

“I want to ensure that the College remains a beacon of light and hope for our community [and] …that Halifax Community College will be the go to destination for academic and workforce training. This significant funding from the Department of Education will enable us to do it,” said Dr. Patrena Elliott, Halifax Community College President. 

Halifax County Community College Board of Trustee and Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee Mary Mebane also attended the check presentation.  

“Congressman Don Davis' presentation of a check for more than two million dollars to Halifax Community College marks both the culmination of a vision by President Elliott and the efforts of her staff and the beginning of a comprehensive effort to improve student outcomes at HCC,” said Ms. Mary Mebane. 

Halifax Community College, established in 1967, is one of North Carolina's oldest community colleges. It serves Halifax County and a portion of Northampton County, both Tier-1, economically distressed counties.