Students at A-B Tech come from all backgrounds imaginable and enroll at the College for a myriad of reasons. The sources of financial support our students receive is about as diverse as our student population - in most cases, strangers helping strangers.

From 2007-2013 ALAS was the lead organization supporting the annual Fiesta Latina festival held at the WNC Agricultural Center and in Downtown Asheville, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate Latino culture. However, in 2013 ALAS decided to no longer organize the festival and to instead focus their energy in other areas. After all of Fiesta expenses were paid the Board of Directors voted to establish a scholarship at A-B Tech for students who are not eligible for in-state tuition or any form of State or Federal aid due to their immigration status. Through this privately funded scholarship ALAS hopes to fulfill the dreams of undocumented students who may attend A-B Tech to pursue a career or learn a skill, but who may face financial barriers in the process. The organization also hopes this scholarship will raise awareness about the issues undocumented students in our community face when paying for college. They want to set an example for other higher education foundations across the region so they too can offer similar types of scholarships and support to undocumented students.

When asked to speak to the importance of giving, one member of the ALAS Board remarked, "As a Latina I give in so many ways - with my time, energy, and money. Philanthropy is not only for people who have a lot of money. Giving of any amount is helpful to the cause. This year's scholarship was funded by over 100 people giving small and large amounts. We believe that giving is essential to growth, development, and enrichment of the entire community and every dollar helps."

They closed the interview by saying, "Being able to help one student at a time fills our hearts with joy. We also recognize there is so much more need out there and we hope to grow this scholarship over time and help more students each year."

Did you know that many corporations match financial contributions when their employees, retirees, and board members give to their favorite nonprofit organizations? By participating in these matching gift programs, donors to the A-B Tech Foundation can double or even triple their impact through a charitable contribution.

Most companies with a matching gift program will have set guidelines to be followed and forms to be completed. Typically, there is a Human Relations or Charitable Giving Department that works with employees in preparing the proper documentation. Donors often can include retired employees, spouses, or widows of employees as well as currently employed personnel.

To confirm that your company will match your gift, please contact your company's Human Resources Department or Charitable Giving Department. Feel free to contact the College Advancement office if we can be of assistance!