LOCAL PROGRAMS: Lumberton, N.C.

The Learners to Leaders™ program in Lumberton is a partnership among Smithfield Foods, The Smithfield Packing Company and Robeson Community College and is designed to help prepare economically disadvantaged Lumberton-area high school students for college.

As part of the Lumberton Learners to Leaders program, students will receive laptop computers and Internet access to complete school assignments and do research for special projects; work with local business professionals who will serve as mentors and provide the benefit of regular contact; experience the real world of business and industry by taking guided field trips to nearby businesses; and attend quarterly leadership seminars covering topics such as small business, industry, government service, higher education, time management skills, good study habits and public speaking.

The Learners to Leaders program is open to economically disadvantaged students and potential first-generation college students who will receive academic and social support. Students who complete the program and subsequently enroll at Robeson Community College will receive a $1,000 scholarship for tuition and expenses and up to $500 for books.

"The Smithfield Foods Learners to Leaders alliance is an invaluable tool to help Robeson County students fulfill their potential by properly preparing them for the rigors of higher education. We're delighted that Smithfield Foods and Smithfield Packing are joining us in this worthwhile partnership."

— Ericka Jones
Foundation Director
Robeson Community College
AT A GLANCE: Lumberton, North Carolina

  • LAUNCH DATE: 06/5/2008

  • PARTNERS: Robeson Community College, Public Schools of Robeson County

  • SMITHFIELD CONTRIBUTION: $75,000

  • PROGRAM DATES: September, 2008-May, 2009

  • NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 10
ABOUT SMITHFIELD PACKING COMPANY

Smithfield Packing Company website link Smithfield Packing Company has annual sales of more than $3 billion. Its primary lines of business include fresh pork, smoked meats, bacon, cooked hams and hot dogs for retail, foodservice and deli channels. The company exports products to more than 30 countries. In addition to the Smithfield brand, its Gwaltney, Esskay and Valleydale products are among the leaders in their respective markets.

ABOUT ROBESON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Robeson Community College (RCC), located in Lumberton, North Carolina, is a member of the state's community college system and serves more than 3,000 credit and 19,000 non-credit students annually. RCC is a comprehensive, two-year public institution committed to offering lifelong educational opportunities for adults appropriate to their needs, abilities and interests. The college is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and holds several national accreditations for its programs.

ABOUT Public Schools of Robeson County

An enrollment of approximately 24,000 students makes the Public Schools of Robeson County one of the largest school systems in North Carolina. Nearly 2,700 principals, teachers and administrative personnel provide the young people in 43 elementary, middle and high schools an effective education. The district also is among the largest employers in Robeson County.