A billion dollar conglomerate that is getting ready to build a medical research facility in Chandler is starting to spread a little of its wealth. Covance International recently distributed several thousands of dollars in scholarships to Chandler-Gilbert Community College and the Chandler Unified School District to students who may decide to study math or science and perhaps work at Covance one day.
"Education is one of the primary focus areas in our community outreach activities.
Our decision to sponsor scholarship programs to benefit deserving Chandler students is no different from the programs we have in place in other communities," said Wendel Barr, senior vice president of Covance. "Education is also a valuable component to our people philosophy - critical to attracting, developing and retaining top talent in our organization."
Earlier this month, Covance announced a $25,000 donation to the International Women's Day Foundation. Half of the money Covance donated was earmarked specifically for female students returning to college at CGCC. Covance also set up six $2,000 scholarships through the Chandler Education Foundation (CEF) in the areas of science and technology for students graduating this May from the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD).
A representative for the CEF said Covance's largesse is especially generous. "Most of the scholarships that we give are usually in the $500 to $1,000 range," said Dianne Welling, assistant executive director with CEF. "Covance has doubled that amount and they're giving out six of them. It's a great opportunity for students interested in science and technology."
Councilman Bob Caccamo also praised Covance for being a good corporate neighbor. "By creating these scholarships, Covance is investing in our future," Caccamo said. "This shows the company is doing all that it can to be a good corporate neighbor."
CEF and CUSD board members, community volunteers and business representatives will read the scholarship applications on Thursday, April 12. Students will be awarded their scholarships in a May 1 ceremony at the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.
For information, call (480) 812-7631 or go to www.ChandlerEdFoundation.org.
Marshall Terrill can be reached at (480) 898-4903 or mterrill@aztrib.com.
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