OTC receives donations for two support programs

The OTC Foundation, the fundraising organization of Ozarks Technical Community College, continues to bring in monetary support from the business community.

The foundation announced Tuesday two new gifts, to support the Middle College and Read Right programs. Neal and Julie Spencer made a five-year pledge to both programs, while Jim and Cathy Moore made a donation to the Middle College. Both amounts were undisclosed.

Neal Spencer is CEO of Springfield-based accounting firm BKD LLP and a member of the OTC Foundation Board of Directors, while Jim Moore is managing partner for Strafford-based American Products LLC and president of the foundation board.

Middle College helps Springfield R-XII School District students complete their high school education while earning free college credit and internship experience in either early childhood development, diesel and automotive technology or medical services.

The Read Right reading comprehension program offers individualized tutoring to students who lack the reading skills to successfully complete college coursework. According to an OTC news release, the Read Right program currently has room for 230 students, but 1,300 students test into the program each semester.

"These programs are vital to the education of so many of our students, and are often the difference between dropping out of school or finishing a degree or certificate through the college," OTC President Hal Higdon said in the release. "These measures of financial support from the community are deeply appreciated."

These gifts come on the heels of last week's announcement of the creation of four new scholarships due to donations from area business leaders, as well as a December gift from college board President Larry Snyder and his wife, Donna, to create the Trustees Scholarship and an October gift from Springfield Realtor Carol Jones.[[In-content Ad]]