Chattanooga State students, who are members of the Chattanooga State SkillsUSA chapter, have received notification from the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation (LCEF) that they are the recipients of a $10,000 grant.  Focused on community service projects, LCEF has endorsed Chattanooga State’s proposal to improve the playground for the students of Spring Creek Elementary School.

Dr. Mike Ricketts, assistant dean at Chattanooga State’s Tennessee Technology Center, marvels at the resourcefulness and steadfastness of the SkillsUSA students.  “These students were earnest about this undertaking and were resolute in their determination to find the funding,” says Dr. Ricketts.   “Their project focuses on Spring Creek Elementary School and includes the restoration and beautification of the school’s playground, the creation of a small kickball field, and the construction of a gazebo that will provide a common area for shelter and gathering.  Our students wanted their project to make a difference and to be a clear reflection of their commitment to service.”

Formerly known as the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization that partners students, teachers and industry into a coalition that collaborates to ensure America has a skilled, capable workforce.  Serving more than a quarter million student members, who are enrolled in technical training and career programs, SkillsUSA chapters are organized at community colleges, technical centers, and high schools.  Through its programming and initiatives, SkillsUSA encourages students to develop communication, problem solving and leadership competencies in conjunction with their trade, technical and service occupation skills.

Scott Smith is the president of Chattanooga State’s SkillsUSA chapter and was responsible for overseeing the grant application process.  Mr. Smith acknowledges Lowe’s exceptionally generous investment in the SkillsUSA mission through its Community Service Grant opportunity.  “Lowe’s is an official sponsor and financial partner of the national SkillsUSA program, and we are fortunate to have received this grant.”  Mr. Smith continues by highlighting the involvement of the employees of Chattanooga area Lowe’s in the project.  “We are looking forward to teaming up with the employees working in local Lowe’s stores.  Like Chattanooga State, Lowe’s is committed to our working together to create a warm and inviting environment for the students of Spring Creek Elementary.”

For more information about the SkillsUSA organization and the opportunities the program provides to technical students, visit the SkillsUSA Web site at www.skillsusa.org.

For more information about the Lowe’s Community Service Grant program and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, visit the Lowe’s Web site at www.Lowes.com.

For more information about Chattanooga State’s technology programs and technical careers, call the Engineering Technology Department at 423.697.4434 or the Tennessee Technology Center Division at 423.697.4433 or the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733.

For information about Chattanooga State and its educational programs, visit the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu.

Chattanooga State is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System.  Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.