SANFORD, N.C. - Finding money for college can seem like an overwhelming challenge, but financial aid often determines whether someone can even pursue the degree that can push them ahead in life. Many at Central Carolina Community College have found that much-needed help through STEP-UP, a scholarship program for local students who have demonstrated financial need and want to pursue an associate degree in science, engineering or math.

"We've had more than 120 students in the program since it began and we still have money available," said Whitney Testa, a math instructor who coordinates the scholarship program. "What we notice is that many of our students are hard workers who may have jobs and are providing for their families. That's why these scholarships are so important."

Some of the scholarship recipients are still completing their degree at CCCC, but nearly all of the rest quickly moved successfully into the workforce or four-year schools like East Carolina University, N.C. State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

One of them is Jairo Lara Diaz, who left a more-expensive four-year university during the pandemic and wasn't sure where to turn. With CCCC just five minutes from his home in Sanford, Jairo transferred to the college, heard about the STEP-UP scholarship from an academic advisor and thought it was worth a try.

"The people within the scholarship program helped drive me to become a better version of myself," he said. "They believe in you and invest in your education, because they don't want you to have to worry about finding a path. They just want you to focus on your education."

It all paid off, both literally and figuratively.

After graduating from CCCC with two associate degrees, Jairo found his way to N.C. State, where his academic success, financial circumstances and interest in STEM majors earned him a Goodnight Scholarship, one of the university's top awards. The scholarship is valued at about $23,000 per year, but offers even more. Goodnight Scholars can receive financial assistance for travel, take advantage of community service opportunities and participate in activities designed to help scholars develop their professional, personal and leadership skills.

Jairo is now on pace to graduate from N.C. State this spring with a degree in computer engineering and a minor in science, technology and society. He's already had two internships, the most recent one with UL Solutions, a global private safety company based in Illinois with offices in the Research Triangle.

What he's planning to do next is wide open. During his academic journey, Jairo discovered a love for project management and communications, a different direction than the more-technical path he began at the start. He has real options -- and it all started with the STEP-UP scholarship at Central Carolina Community College.

Not all STEP-UP scholars have the same experience, but all enjoy a better chance at success. Testa refers to what she calls "persistence data" -- statistics about how many students complete their academic studies -- and says the majority in the program completed their community college credentials or have already moved on to a four-year university that was part of their original plan.

She encourages students to apply for STEP-UP scholarships while they're still available. Right now, there's plenty of financial aid, but the program is extended year by year, so there's no guarantee exactly how long it will last.

"Not having to worry about finances is very important," says Jairo, who used the scholarship to create his own path. "This gives you the opportunity to focus on school, not on how to pay for college. There's hope for whatever dreams and ambitions you have. There are people ready to invest in you and help you grow as a person."

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STEP-UP scholarships are available to students in Chatham, Harnett and Lee counties who have demonstrated financial need and are interested in completing associate degrees in a field of science, math or engineering.

The online application requires two letters of recommendation and includes a short essay about how the scholarship will increase their likelihood for success at the community college and beyond. Details are available at www.cccc.edu/stepup.