Minges Bottling Group to Fund Scholarships
Winterville, NC (May 26, 2011) - Pitt Community College administrators announced this week the school will receive scholarship funding from the Minges Bottling Group, Inc., for the next five years.
During a ceremony Monday at the Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola Store in New Bern, Jeff Minges, president and CEO of the Minges Bottling Group, announced a $250,000-scholarship program for the eight community colleges within the company's service area. In addition to Pitt, Beaufort County, Carteret, Coastal Carolina, Craven, Lenoir, Martin and Pamlico community colleges will benefit from the program.
Minges said each community college would receive equal funding during the five-year period. The funds will be used to assist a total of 144 full-time students with tuition and fees for one year.
"Pitt Community College has had a long partnership with the Minges family and Minges Bottling Group,” PCC President G. Dennis Massey said. “These scholarships extend this strong support for students during a time when many are experiencing great financial need.
“The scholarships will be beneficial for students just finishing high school as well as those who have already been in the workforce and will be a positive investment in the future of Pitt County."
According to Minges, the scholarships are part of his company’s effort to stay involved with the community and to show its commitment to education and Eastern North Carolina.
Gov. Bev Perdue attended Monday’s announcement in New Bern and praised the Minges Bottling Group for its commitment to the state’s community colleges and higher education, in general.
Students wishing to apply for Pepsi scholarships at Pitt should contact the PCC Institutional Advancement Office at P.O. Drawer 7007, Greenville, N.C. 27835. Applicants must complete an application and demonstrate Eastern North Carolina residency. Academic achievement and unmet financial need will also be taken into consideration.
The Minges Bottling Group, Inc., is a family-owned-and-operated Pepsi-Cola franchise in Ayden. The company has been serving Eastern North Carolina since 1935.
