April 21, 2026
Laurel Ridge Community College was selected as a 2025 Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship recipient through the Ellucian Foundation. The PATH Scholarship Program provides grants to higher education institutions worldwide to directly benefit students facing economic hardships and subsequent educational disruptions.
The college received $15,000 which was distributed among 17 students. Six students received assistance with childcare costs in the fall as part of Laurel Ridge’s efforts to further support parent scholars, said Vivi Meder, director of student support. Additionally, 11 Power Line Worker students received funding to cover their living expenses while they completed the final weeks of their program near Southside Community College.
“Childcare costs are vital in alleviating financial stress for parent scholars hoping to change their lives by continuing their education,” Meder said. “These stipends lessen the burden so that parents can focus on their academics, one semester at a time.”
The scholarships were very helpful when it came to launching Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions’ first Power Line Worker Program last fall, said Program Manager AnnaJane Whitacre.
“Since our pole yard and climbing facility is still under construction, our students were required to travel to Southside Virginia Community College in Blackstone, for the final four weeks of the program to complete the hands-on climbing portion of their training,” she said. “While housing was available to the students during their time at Southside, there was an associated expense to stay in those accommodations. With this funding, we were able to provide scholarships to cover all 11 students’ housing costs. These scholarships contributed significantly to many students’ ability to participate in the program. The cohort graduated on December 19, and we have confirmation that 80 percent are now employed in the electric utility industry.”
“Students across the globe are working hard to stay enrolled, but too many continue to face financial barriers that put their progress at risk,” said Laura Ipsen, president and CEO, Ellucian. “Our 2025 Student Voice Report – which includes insights from ‘stop-outs,’ or learners who left college before completing a degree – found that 23 percent cannot afford upfront costs to return, and 15 percent are already too burdened by student debt. The Ellucian Foundation’s PATH Scholarship Program is helping institutions reduce these barriers so more students can continue their academic journey with confidence.”
The PATH Scholarship is provided by the Ellucian Foundation, established in 2020 by Ellucian, the leading technology solutions provider for higher education. To date, the PATH Scholarship program has provided more than $3.7 million in grants to 200-plus institutions, supporting 3,700-plus students.
“Institutions know better than anyone the real barriers their students face – and how even modest financial support can change the trajectory of a learner’s academic journey,” said Jen Welding, executive director of the Ellucian Foundation. “The PATH program is built on that principle. By putting flexible funding directly into the hands of colleges and universities, we enable them to rapidly assist students whose education might otherwise be interrupted.”
Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.