The Augusta Technical College Foundation is celebrating a successful year for its annual Family First Giving Campaign, which invites faculty and staff to make donations. This year, 103 donors contributed $50,999 in gifts and pledges to support Augusta Technical College students.

The 2026 campaign, themed “Grow With Us: Planting Seeds for Student Success,” surpassed its $40,000 fundraising goal by nearly $11,000. The campaign also grew significantly over 2025, when 90 donors contributed $36,225.

“Family First is one of my favorite campaigns because it is truly about our own Cougar Family coming together for our students,” said Dr. Beth Sacksteder, Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Development. “To see 103 donors raise more than $50,000 is incredible. Every gift represents someone who believes in our students and wants to help remove a barrier, create an opportunity, or give them the support they need to keep moving forward.”

Family First brings together Augusta Tech faculty, staff, retirees, Foundation Board of Directors members, and Board of Trustees members in a shared commitment to student success. Contributions help provide scholarships, transportation assistance, technology, and emergency financial support thereby addressing challenges that can prevent students from staying enrolled and completing their education.

This year's campaign reflected the Augusta Tech community's generosity and commitment, with donors coming together to make a meaningful difference beyond the classroom. Whether helping a student get to class, access essential technology, or navigate an unexpected financial hardship, every contribution helps create opportunities for students to stay focused on their education and future careers.

The campaign also recognized members of the Evergreen Giving Society, which celebrates donors who demonstrate a continued commitment to Augusta Tech students through consecutive years of giving.

“Our faculty and staff see firsthand the determination our students bring to Augusta Tech every day,” said Cheryl Ciucevich, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “Family First gives our community an opportunity to stand behind those students in a very tangible way. This year's results demonstrate just how deeply our Cougar Family believes in our students and their futures.”

The success of this year's Family First Campaign reflects a growing culture of philanthropy at Augusta Technical College and the lasting impact of a community united in helping students succeed.

To learn more about the Augusta Technical College Foundation or make a gift in support of Augusta Tech students, visit https://www.augustatech.edu/foundation.cms.