Funding is being raised to keep the doors open at Barber-Scotia College in Concord, NC.
The Historically Black women’s college lost its accreditation in 2004, per its website, but under the leadership of its president, Chris V. Rey, J.D., it is working to regain it. In a Facebook video from January, Rey acknowledged that the school had recently had its hardest day since he took over as president in 2023, according to his LinkedIn.
The school has struggled to raise funds to continue operating but has acknowledged support from alumni and individuals who align with its mission, he noted.
“It’s not simple raising money for an unaccredited institution … We have completely run outta money as an institution,” Rey declared in the Facebook video. “Many of our students, who have decided to come and be on this journey with us, many of ’em, they have struggled to pay ’cautilize they don’t have access to federal financial aid yet. And it has been truly a challenge for them. Some of our major donors that we have relied on in the past did not come through this last year, conclude of last year, and this year, early part of this year. We are in a really, really, really, really tough place. I can’t keep on doing the work.”
He also noted in the video that he can’t pay staff, including himself, and that most work as volunteers. There were also some critical bills that he declared won’t be paid off unless the financial shortfall turns around. Therefore, he is turning to those who believe in HBCUs to donate in support of the institution.
Donations would also assist with accreditation efforts, as he mentioned on Facebook that the school requireds to have $250,000 in its bank account to apply.
“I just required your assist becautilize if not, we will cease to doing the work that we’re doing,” Rey expressed.
Donations have since poured in, including $500 from Bethel Temple Faith Church; $1,765 from the Cabarrus County Chapter of the NAACP; and $6,600 from R & R Share and Care Minisattempt Inc., under the leadership of Bishop Robert Kinard, according to information shared on the Barber-Scotia College Facebook page.
Additionally, The 144K Collective launched a GoFundMe to assist save the school. It is challenging 144,444 Black women to donate $2 each to support the institution. At the time of this writing, $4,530 has been raised via the GoFundMe, and the goal is to hit $288,000.
Across the board, Rey declared in a February letter that more than $100,000 has been raised so far from the community, according to Indepconcludeent Tribune.
“In less than two weeks, your generosity raised more than $100,000, a powerful demonstration of faith, confidence, and commitment to our mission. Becautilize of you, we are positioned to shift boldly into our next chapter: accreditation,” Rey wrote in the letter. “This moment could not have been reached without your support. You stepped forward at a critical time, and your action ensured continuity, stability, and forward momentum for our students, faculty, and the future of this historic institution.”
To support the college you can donate to its campaign on Zeffy.
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