Bladen Community College has announced the Kerry L. Shipman College Readiness Scholarship, established by Dr. Kerry Shipman to support students taking the next step after earning a high school credential through the college’s College Readiness Program.
The scholarship supports a graduate who continues at BCC in a certificate, diploma or degree program. The college’s announcement explains that the program offers several pathways to a high school credential, including GED, HiSET and credit-based options.
For Dr. Shipman, the connection is personal: earning his GED at BCC reopened his path to further education. The scholarship also honors Mary Cole, his GED instructor, and the lasting influence of an educator’s encouragement.
The college describes the scholarship as support for students who may be balancing financial hardship, employment, parenting, caregiving or other responsibilities while pursuing their education.
Source: Bladen Community College, September 11, 2026. Read the college’s announcement.
Explore the College Readiness Scholarship and Dr. Shipman’s separate Persistence Scholarship on the Shipman Scholars Initiative page.