HICKORY — The Catawba Valley Community College Foundation has received a $50,000 contribution from Microsoft to expand CVCC’s Valley Datacenter Academy, the college said March 12, 2026.
The college said the money will finish the academy upfit and buy additional devices. It described the grant as support for workforce programs that open technology and infrastructure career paths.
“At Microsoft, we’re committed to helping communities build clear, equitable pathways into technology careers. Through the Datacenter Academy program, we’re investing in the training, tools, and engagements that prepare learners for the jobs powering today’s digital world,” said Kristin Vaughan, Community Affairs Region Manager, Microsoft.
The academy is described as hands-on preparation for information-technology and datacenter operations jobs.
“We are deeply grateful to Microsoft for this generous grant, which strengthens our ability to deliver cutting-edge workforce training aligned with industry needs,” CVCC President Dr. Garrett Hinshaw said. “This investment in CVCC’s Valley Datacenter Academy ensures our students have access to modern, enterprise-level learning environments and the technology required to succeed in high-demand IT and datacenter careers.”
Jennifer Jones, chief development officer and CVCC Foundation executive director, called the grant an investment in students and economic mobility and said it supports finishing the upfit and buying devices.
Aden Cranford, dean of the School of Career and Technical Education, said the grant helps the college stay aligned with industry expectations so graduates leave with skills, credentials, and real-world experience.
The March 12 notice does not list a student-capacity target, a completion date for the upfit, or other funders on this round.
Official release from Catawba Valley Community College, March 12, 2026. https://cvcc.edu/cvcc-receives-microsoft-grant/
