HCC Foundation

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Tour. Learn. Connect.

Join the HCC Foundation as we host monthly tours of campus. Each Month will focus on a different area, featuring talks with faculty and students, visits to classrooms, and demonstrations of learning technology.

2025- 2026 Schedule

Tuesday, August 26 10:00-11:30 A.M : Business Administration, Tourism, Accounting, Marketing, Criminal Justice Technology, CJC, Public Administation, and EDU. Alder and Hickory Buildings

Tuesday, September 23 5:00-6:30 P.M. : Medical Assisting & Medical Office Administration. Buckeye Building

Thursday, October 30 11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. : Cosmetology. Chestnut Building

Tuesday, November 18 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. : Wildlife & Natural Resources. Walnut Building

Monday, December 1 10:00-11:30 A.M. : Nursing. Juniper Building

Wednesday, January 21 10:00-11:30 A.M. : Professional Crafts. Sycamore Building

Wednesday, February 18 10:00-11:30 A.M. : Welding & Electrical Systems. Walnut Building

Tuesday, March 24 10:00-11:30 A.M. : Machining & Industrial Systems. High Tech Center

Wednesday, April 15 10:00-11:30 A.M. : Automotive & Collision. Pine Building

Tuesday, May 19 10:00-11:30 A.M. : Public Safety & EMS. Public Services Training Facility

Thursday, June 11 11:00 A.M.-1:30 P.M. : Full campus tour and light lunch. Hemlock Building

The Haywood Community College Foundation creates relationships that empower people through education.

It also provides funds and fosters relationships to support students, faculty, programs, and capital improvements.

For more than 50 years, Haywood Community College has provided our community with accessible, affordable and high-quality education, as well as workforce training and lifelong learning opportunities. The Haywood Community College Foundation is where opportunity, hard work and generosity intersect to educate our community. With over $14 million in assets, the HCC Foundation operates from a position of strength. We need your help to continue our strong foundation. 

About Us

Created in 1975, under the North Carolina Non-Profit Corporation Act, Haywood Community College Foundation creates relationships that empower people through education. It assists the college to secure the necessary and timely financial support unavailable through its traditional public funding source.

In order to fulfill its mission, the HCC Foundation provides funds and fosters relationships to support students, faculty, programs, and capital improvements. The HCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization through which tax-deductible gifts may be made to benefit HCC. Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible as provided by state and federal laws.

Every gift to the Foundation, no matter how large or small, is gratefully accepted and deeply appreciated, because each gift represents the donor’s expressed goodwill toward the college. Gifts are used in many ways including the following:

Scholarships
Student Ambassadors
Student emergency needs
Student experiential learning opportunities
Student transportation
Mini-grants for student impact, staff & faculty
Staff and faculty professional development
College events and marketing development
Technology enhancements
And many more…

Giving to the Foundation is an investment that contributes to the success of students. For additional information about making a gift to HCC Foundation, contact Hylah Birenbaum at the HCC Foundation, 185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde, NC 28721; telephone (828) 627-4544 or hebirenbaum@haywood.edu.

Donate Now

To donate, click on the "Ways to Donate" button below. We have several options to support the HCC Foundation. You will be asked for contact, payment information, and make sure to complete the designation information for donation.

Ways to Donate

Thank You!

Haywood Community College welcomes your generous gift to help support our students with scholarships, field trips, events, experiential learning, and other needs. Your gift is tax-deductible and will be acknowledged with a letter from the HCC Foundation. Please contact Hylah Birenbaum at (828) 627-4544 or hebirenbaum@haywood.edu with any questions.

Board of Directors

The HCC Foundation receives oversight from the established Board of Directors. If you are interested in serving on our board, please reach out to Hylah Birenbaum at (828) 627-4544 or hebirenbaum@haywood.edu. We are so thankful for our Board and the direction they provide to the college to serve the needs of our students to better the community where we live and work.

Dr. Lucina Lampila, Chair
Mr. Jack Bishop, III Vice-Chair
Dr. Ed Brown, III
Mr. Larry Caudill
Ms. Jane Clark
Dr. Elizabeth Ferguson
Ms. Wendolyn Forbes
Ms. Marion Hamel
Ms. Colleen Hannah
Mr. Charles Henson (Emeritus)
Mr. Doug Hillman
Ms. Angie Guy Leatherwood
Mr. Scott McLeod
Mr. Chad McMahon
Mr. Jon Overbay
Mr. Jim Owens
Dr. Joseph Ramellini
Ms. Sue Shugart
Ms. Amy Boyd Sugg
Ms. Laura Tragesser
Mr. Tyler Trantham
Dr. Myra Watson
Mr. Dennis Weber
Ms. Celesa Willett

Ex-Officio Members:
Dr. Shelley White, President
Hylah Birenbaum, Foundation Executive Director
Ms. Christie Medford, VP of Operations

Student Impact

I'm about halfway through my Fish and Wildlife Management Technology major. Knowing that I'm a step closer to graduating and getting into the field of wild animal care/rehabilitation and habitat management because of assistance like this scholarship...I feel very lucky to be able to have the support from selfless people like you all!
Brandy - Ken Wilson Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship will help support my academic journey so I can be less stressed about finances throughout the school year. This is my second year in the Forest Management Technology program, and it has brought much joy and clarity into my life. I plan to work for the parkway or potentially in prescribed burns/fighting wildfires. I am incredibly passionate about conversation and look forward to learning more about what that entails and how exactly I can play a role in helping trees stay alive and thrive. Thank you so much for your help in supporting my academic journey.
Rachel - French Broad River Garden Club Scholarship

The scholarship that you have chosen for me to receive allows me to go to school and take care of my two boys with out the added stress of trying to figure out how to pay for school. I am very thankful for the ability to be able to both achieve my dreams and be able to be an active parent in their lives.
Susan - David & Denise Matthys Scholarship

This scholarship has greatly assisted me with my financial burden and allowed me to focus more fully on my studies. I'm committed to making the most of this opportunity and hope to one day give back in ways that reflect the kindness and generosity you've shown me. Thank you for your investment in my future.
Carter - PIVOT Scholarship

I have dabbled in woodworking, as a hobbyist, for eight years. I knew that I loved it, and I knew about the Professional Crafts Woodworking Program at Haywood Community College. I;ve wished I could enroll in it for a while, and when the opportunity presented itself, I still hesitated. After I enrolled, the North Carolina Woodworker Scholarship arrived as a kin of confirmation that i have made a good choice.
Brian - North Carolina Woodworker Scholarship

This scholarship means more to me than I can fully express. It is not just a financial relief - it is a symbol of hope and encouragement. Knowing that there are people who believe in my potential and my goals has been deeply motivating.
Allie - Haywood Regional Medical Center Volunteers Scholarship

As a full-time student in the Welding Technology program at Haywood Community College, this scholarship will help ease the financial strain of balancing school and work while trying to stay on top of my bills. Every dollar makes a real impact, and I appreciate it more than you could ever imagine...At 41, going back to school has come with its challenges, but it has also been incredibly rewarding and reignited my sense of purpose.
Alexander - Waynesville Rotary Club Scholarship

BOBCAT CHAT

If you're interested in learning more about what the Foundation does to support HCC's students and employees, take a quick listen to our Bobcat Chat featuring the Foundation Director, Hylah Birenbaum.

Listen Now