New $1 million endowment at ACTC will provide life-changing scholarship opportunities for non-traditional students

Published on Sep 15, 2026

A generous $1 million contribution from an anonymous donor has established the Paying It Forward Endowment at Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC), creating new scholarship opportunities for full-time non-traditional students for years to come.

The donor wishes to acknowledge the staff of ACTC, who provided the education which enabled this donation.

The endowment was created in memory of their only child, Chris, who passed away, and reflects the donor’s desire to help others achieve their educational goals.

Through this gift, the donor, a graduate of ACC some thirty years ago, and an admirer of Benjamin Franklin who, in his autobiography wrote he wished to “do good” is investing in students who are interested in improving themselves and their futures, while balancing the responsibilities and challenges that often come with returning to college later in life.

The Paying It Forward Endowment will provide scholarships for eligible full-time non-traditional ACTC students beginning with the Fall 2027 semester.

“This endowment represents so much more than a financial gift. It represents hope, opportunity and a belief in what is possible when someone is given the support they need to succeed,” said Kim Minnehan-Jones, ACTC Advancement Administrator. “Working with this donor throughout the process has been incredibly meaningful. This gift will change lives by helping students overcome financial barriers and pursue an education that can transform their futures, their families and their communities.”

The Paying It Forward Endowment aligns with ACTC’s commitment to removing barriers and creating pathways to success for students throughout the region. Non-traditional students often balance college with careers, families and other responsibilities, making scholarship support a critical resource in helping them complete their education.

“Community colleges exist to open doors, and this extraordinary gift will help ensure more students have the opportunity to walk through those doors,” said Dr. Larry Ferguson, ACTC Chancellor. “We are deeply grateful for the generosity and vision behind this endowment. The impact of this investment will be felt by students and families for generations.”

Full-time non-traditional students interested in applying for scholarships through the Paying It Forward Endowment will be eligible to apply beginning for the Fall 2027 semester.

Written by: Megan Smedley, ACTC strategic communications administrator