Shallow Ford Foundation to offer Wayne C. Matthews Scholarship

The Shallow Ford Foundation has announced that it will offer The Wayne C. Matthews Continuing Education Award again this year. The $2,000 award will be given to a Yadkin County resident who attends or plans to attend, The Yadkin Campus of Surry Community College to complete a credential-producing program that leads to an in-demand occupation. Applicants may be enrolled full or part-time and must have graduated high in 2021 or earlier.

Yadkin Ripple Staff
April 20, 2022

The Shallow Ford Foundation has announced that it will offer The Wayne C. Matthews Continuing Education Award again this year. The $2,000 award will be given to a Yadkin County resident who attends or plans to attend, The Yadkin Campus of Surry Community College to complete a credential-producing program that leads to an in-demand occupation. Applicants may be enrolled full or part-time and must have graduated high in 2021 or earlier. Financial need and history of service to others and the community will be considered in the selection of a recipient.

“What a great way to honor my friend! Wayne always placed a high emphasis on education, and this scholarship is a pathway to the education and skills needed for a lifetime career. Our first recipient is preparing to graduate this spring from the Electrical Systems Technology/HVAC program, and can look forward to starting his chosen profession. Wayne was the face of the Yadkin Center since it was just an idea in the 90’s, to the opening of the first building in 2003, and now reaching designation of a campus. This scholarship is a reminder of the impact on education and the greater community by Dr. Wayne C. Matthews,” said Bobby Todd, Executive Director at the Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce.

The first Wayne C. Matthews Continuing Education Award was given to Tyler Church of Jonesville in June of 2021. Church was chosen from a pool of applicants and was screened and interviewed by a committee of individuals who were close to Matthews. The same process will be used again this year. “Always strive for the small things as they can lead to success,” said Church, reflecting on his work ethic and path to a career.

Students can apply online at shallowfordfoundation.org/Matthews before Friday, May 13 at 5 p.m. According to the 2021-2022 academic catalog, the Yadkin Campus offers degree, diploma, and certificate programs in Associate in Arts, Mechatronics, Machining, and Welding. Additionally, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Central Sterile Processing, Notary, Truck Driving, High School Equivalency (HSE), Fire Fighter, and a variety of other courses are available at this location.

The Wayne C. Matthews Continuing Education Award was created by the Shallow Ford Foundation’s board of directors to honor the far-reaching impact and influence of Dr. Matthews, who passed away on June 23rd, 2020. Dr. Matthews served as Director of the Yadkin Campus at Surry Community College and was the driving force behind its creation.

“Dr. Matthew’s impact really can’t be overstated. The Foundation is proud to partner with local philanthropists and Surry Community College in continuing to honor his legacy of kindness, service, vision, and dedication to education,” said Sandi Scannelli, President and CEO of the Shallow Ford Foundation. “Last year’s recipient, Tyler Church, has set the bar high. We look forward to meeting the next student who will benefit from the generosity of those who are making this scholarship possible.”

Interested applicants can apply online at shallowfordfoundation.org/matthews or contact the Foundation’s Program Officer Greg Keener at 336-403-0433 or greg@shallowfordfoundation.org