For many students, the question of “how am I going to pay for college?” looms large. But thanks in part to scholarships managed by the Foundation, students across the region can pursue these life-changing academic opportunities. FFTC manages more than 150 scholarship funds on behalf of generous clients. 2023 was a record-year for scholarships with 1,051 granted, totaling $3.1 million in awards. Established by generous families, companies and other organizations, these scholarships provide essential support for students of all ages.

Courtney Greene, 2021 graduate of Wilkes County Early College High School.

One such program is the E. R. & Lillian B. Dimmette Scholarship Fund. Established in 1990 by Edgar Dimmette in honor of his late wife Lillian, the program helps students in Gaston, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Wilkes Counties who “fall between the cracks” of financial aid and academic scholarships. Edgar passed away in 1996, but his impact lives on, with more than 260 scholarships awarded since the fund was established. Courtney Greene is among those students. She graduated from Wilkes County Early College High School with a 4.0 GPA in 2021 and was selected to receive a Dimmette Scholarship.

She graduated from Appalachian State University in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders. She is currently attending UNC Chapel Hill’s Doctor of Audiology program and hopes to return to her hometown in Wilkes County to practice.

“The E. R. & Lillian B. Dimmette Scholarship helped me tremendously. I was able to not only attend but also support myself during my time in college,” said Greene. “And the networking opportunities the scholarship provided allowed me to meet so many wonderful people. I truly appreciate the Dimmette family. I would not be where I am today without the scholarship. I hope to continue giving back to my community in the future as they have.”

For more information on opening an FFTC Scholarship Fund contact Qiana Austin at qaustin@fftc.org