Events
Partnership Opens New Doors of Opportunity
RALEIGH, N.C. (May 14, 2025) – New doors of opportunity are opening this fall for 12 graduating high school seniors as a result of a community outreach partnership between Wake Tech and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County.
Eight students are excited to pursue their associate degrees at Wake Tech in a variety of fields like University Transfer, Cybersecurity and Health & Fitness Science. Other graduates are starting their futures at Appalachian State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and the United States Air Force.
The students celebrated with their family and friends at a Senior Signing Day at the Boys & Girls Clubs Teen Center in Raleigh, where they committed to continue their education, training or career development after high school. Four of the students committing to Wake Tech also received a special scholarship. This is the first year the Wake Tech Foundation has awarded the REACH scholarship, which provides $1,500 annually for three years.
Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls praised the students for their growth, perseverance and success despite challenges and obstacles along their journey.
"You are blooming here today, and you will continue to bloom as you move on to your next journey because you've already proven that you can," Ralls said. "Also know that there are people who care about you. You have felt that here at the Boys & Girls Clubs, and you will continue to have people who have your back at your next destination."
Now in its second year, the partnership between Wake Tech and the Boys & Girls Clubs empowers club members throughout the Raleigh area to seek success through employment, higher education or military service after high school graduation.
Students work directly with CC Hardy, the college's Workforce Community Outreach Officer, to explore careers, identify their passion and map out a plan. She also helps students complete applications and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
"This is a milestone, a moment that marks not just the end of high school but the beginning of a new chapter full of possibilities, purpose and power," Hardy said. "Whether you are stepping into a college classroom, training for military service or finding your path in a different way, know that you are already a success for having the courage to dream bigger."
"We couldn't do what we do here at the (Boys & Girls) club by ourselves," said Matt Taliaferro, Boys & Girls Clubs chief executive. "It takes family members, community partners, donors, resources, and we could not be more thankful to all of you for making this happen."
Phillip T. was all smiles donning his new Wake Tech T-shirt. He said the partnership helped bring his future into focus.
"It was amazing and opened my eyes to a lot of opportunities I could have," he said. "I didn't know what I wanted to do after high school, so the partnership with Wake Tech and CC helped me figure out that I wanted to go on to college and study to be a personal trainer."
Wake Tech also provides outreach to other instrumental community organizations, including Juntos and Communities in Schools.
