The Lehigh Carbon Community College Foundation has received a $500,000 gift that will provide scholarships to area students. The gift from the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation will set up a permanently endowed scholarship fund to support students who want to learn skills that will significantly increase their earning power.

The Stabler scholarships will support both credit and noncredit students from Lehigh County who are economically disadvantaged. The primary focus will be residents of the City of Allentown, with preference to graduates from the Allentown School District.

"The generous contribution from the Stabler Foundation will open doors for many people who may think they can't afford to attend college or pursue career training," said Lehigh Carbon Community College president Dr. Ann Bieber.

"Many high school students and low-income residents who are most in need of good employment opportunities find the cost of education or workforce training prohibitive. In addition, preparing people for the workforce will benefit employers in the area who need qualified and skilled workers."

The mission of the LCCC Foundation is turning student aspirations into reality through education. With an endowment of more than $9 million and assets in excess of $15 million, the Foundation accepts charitable contributions on behalf of the college and provides scholarships to LCCC students and grants to the college for education-related needs.

"The Stabler Foundation understands the impact scholarships can make on students who may need substantial financial support to pursue their dreams. These funds will help LCCC continue to provide high quality education that is both affordable and accessible," said Dr. Bieber.

The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation, established in 1966 for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, provides grants to educational institutions, parochial or church related schools and nonprofit hospitals, as well as other qualifying organizations.