The Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded $10,248,815 in funding to support projects through the Community-Based Grants Initiative in the Southeast Prosperity Zone including Wayne Community College and $1,549,997 in funding to support projects through the Open Grants Program. The Golden LEAF Board also awarded $1,037,080 in funding for projects through the Flood Mitigation Program.

“The Golden LEAF Board awarded projects that represent all three funding priorities of the foundation: job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness, and agriculture,” said Golden LEAF Board Chair Don Flow. “These projects will support the long-term economic advancement of rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities. We look forward to the impact these projects will make for years to come.”

Wayne Community College was awarded $225,000 to renovate training space and for equipment, personnel, and supplies at Southern Wayne High School to expand the college’s workforce training in welding, equipment repair, and safety programs. The project anticipates increasing the number of high school students completing career pathways and the number of adults completing training and earning industry credentials or micro-credentials. Rep. John Bell stated, “This is great news for students, families, and businesses in Wayne County and the surrounding region.”