CP&L has donated $15,000 to the UNC Asheville Foundation to be used for scholarships for students in undergraduate research, engineering and computer science programs.

UNCA’s Undergraduate Research Program aims to provide students with a wide variety of research, scholarly and creative opportunities that support and supplement other educational activities. The program encourages students and faculty mentors to engage in the complete active research process, including design and implementation of projects and dissemination of results.

Thirteen engineering concentrations are available, including two that are tailored to regional industry needs: a bachelor’s of science concentration in mechatronics and a master’s of science in industrial engineering. The Two-Plus-Two Engineering Program with N.C. State University allows undergraduates to complete the first two years at UNCA and the final two years in Raleigh.

The Computer Science Program, among the most popular on campus, has tracks in both computer systems and information systems. The concentration in computer systems includes both hard and software design, while the concentration in information systems includes both theory and application of software development, with emphasis on data processing applications.

"I am very pleased to have been selected to receive one of scholarships targeted for computer science students," said Derek Meeker, a senior from Mars Hill. "I’m using the money to help with tuition both semesters this year."

CP&L, a Progress Energy company, serves 1.4 million customers in North and South Carolina. A UNCA donor since 1981, CP&L has given more than $129,000 to the university through monetary gifts, in-kind donations and matching gifts.

Media Contacts:

• Alex Comfort, UNCA Assistant Vice Chancellor of Development, 828/251-6080
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant, 828/251-6526