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College of The Albemarle (COA) has been awarded $500,000 in funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation to support the expansion of its new health sciences simulation facility and programs. This investment will provide advanced technology and equipment, addressing critical workforce needs and strengthening the pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals in northeastern North Carolina.

The funding, awarded through Golden LEAF’s Open Grants Program at its April 2025 board meeting, is part of a broader initiative to support job creation, economic investment and workforce preparedness across rural North Carolina.

“This investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation is impactful for College of The Albemarle and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Jack Bagwell, COA president. “By expanding our health sciences programs and providing state-of-the-art simulation facilities, we are equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the healthcare needs of our region. We are deeply grateful for Golden LEAF’s commitment to rural North Carolina and their partnership in building a stronger, healthier future for our communities.”

In addition to the simulation center and nursing labs, a portion of the Golden LEAF funding will support the college’s new dental hygiene program.

“Golden LEAF’s support allows us to invest in critical technology and resources that will directly impact student success and workforce readiness,” said Robin Harris, COA dean of Health Sciences and Wellness Programs. “Our graduates are essential to the health and well-being of our communities, and this funding ensures we can continue to provide high-quality training for healthcare professionals.”

“Golden LEAF is proud to support College of The Albemarle’s strategy to expand health sciences programs,” said Golden LEAF president, chief executive officer Scott T. Hamilton. “This targeted approach will prepare students to meet the needs of regional employers. Healthcare jobs offer stable, well-paying careers that are essential to thriving communities. The funding supports a skilled workforce, a healthier population, and long-term economic growth in northeastern North Carolina.”

“Since its inception in 1999, The Golden LEAF Foundation has focused on increasing economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities through strategic investments in job creation, workforce preparedness and agriculture,” stated the announcement of the award. “The foundation’s commitment to measurable, sustainable impact has resulted in more than 68,000 jobs created and over 98,000 workers trained or retrained for higher wages.”

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