Citing a desire to maximize their donation through a federal challenge grant, representatives of the Community Services of Swain County (CSSC) recently gave $2,500 to Southwestern Community College’s Student Success Campaign.

An effort to bridge the gap between scholarship need and availability, the Student Success Campaign is the most ambitious fundraising effort to date by the SCC Foundation. Mary Otto Selzer, director of the SCC Foundation, said the campaign aims to raise more than $1 million before Sept. 30, 2014.

The challenge grant, through the U.S. Department of Education, matches every dollar (up to $300,000) given to the campaign.

“The leverage of the federal matching program is the main incentive for us,” said Ken Mills, president of CSSC. “When we give $2,500 toward student scholarships, it instantly doubles and does that much more good. That’s exciting for us. Our organization was formed with the purpose of doing everything we can to make our communities better. We are thrilled about the growing partnership between our communities and SCC.”

For more information about the Student Success Campaign and the SCC Foundation, visit southwesterncc.edu or contact Selzer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.339.4241.