Personified

Foundation plants seeds for scholarships, success

Annetta Tirey NWACC Foundation, Executive Director
Annetta Tirey NWACC Foundation, Executive Director

Tell us about your organization:

Mission: Established in 1990, the NWACC Foundation is a separate nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that serves as the philanthropic arm of Northwest Arkansas Community College. The Foundation operates exclusively to encourage support and aid in the continual development of NWACC.

Plant a Seed

Who: Northwest Arkansas Community College Foundation

What: Chef-prepared dishes and creative libations

When: Friday

Where: Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food in Bentonville

Tickets: $150

Information: (479) 419-4184 or nwacc.edu/plantaseed

Services provided: Through procuring scholarship, academic, programmatic and capital support, the NWACC Foundation works to enhance student success and assist the college as they strive to empower lives, inspire learning and strengthen community through accessible, affordable and quality education.

Service area: Washington and Benton counties

Average number of people served annually: NWACC serves almost 16,000 students annually, including those pursuing associate degrees and certificates, workforce training and adult education. Support from the NWACC Foundation touches all facets of the college, from helping to build adequate facilities and programs, to providing scholarships for hundreds of students annually.

How is your organization's mission unique? As the only community college serving this region, NWACC provides one of the most accessible and affordable options for higher education in this region. Whether helping students immediately transfer into our region's workforce or serving as a pipeline to the University of Arkansas and other four-year colleges, NWACC serves a critical role in educating our population and providing pathways to success.

Why do you work for a nonprofit organization? After over 20 years spent working in corporate philanthropy and getting to know so many Northwest Arkansas nonprofits, it's been an honor to join their ranks as a member of the nonprofit community. It's been a true joy to see firsthand how lives are changed every day at this community college.

Do you have a personal connection to the mission? If so, what is it? I learned what a difference a community college can make when my daughter took a year of classes at NWACC a few years ago. The affordability made all the difference during that transition year for her, and I love knowing I'm part of helping other students reach their goals for the future.

What have you learned on the job that you didn't expect? I've learned so much that I didn't know about all the programs and organizations at the college! It's now my mission to help all of Northwest Arkansas know the great things that happen here every day. I've also learned that nonprofit work is every bit as challenging (but fulfilling!) as the corporate grant-making world!

What challenges face your organization? The continued growth of the region means continued growth and expanded needs for the college as they try to best serve all students and prospective students in the area. We'll be expanding with a new NWACC Center breaking ground this summer in Springdale, so our capital campaign will be gearing up in full force. It's an exciting but challenging time!

Are there volunteer opportunities in your organization? What are they? Our Foundation has great volunteer opportunities, especially when hosting events. And the college has an array of opportunities in all areas of interest. I'd encourage anyone to reach out and see where their skills might best be used.

What upcoming fundraisers and/or other events does your organization have planned? The NWACC Foundation will host our annual Plant A Seed fundraiser on Friday at Brightwater in Bentonville. A limited number of tickets and sponsorships are available for this fun dinner event, which will benefit NWACC student scholarships and college programs.

NAN Profiles on 04/22/2018

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