SALISBURY — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has launched the public portion of a $7.1 million fundraising campaign it’s calling “Building a More Prosperous Community.”

The campaign has already raised more than $5.3 million, leaving it needing about 25 percent of the total to reach its goal.

The effort is the most significant fundraising campaign in the 50-year history of the college and a new chapter for the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation, organizers said in a news release.

“The college must seek private dollars to meet our goals,” said William Cannon, Jr., president of The Cannon Foundation and co-chair of the college’s campaign. “We want to invest in new programs and modern technology, ultimately training students on real world equipment so they are ready for employment upon graduation.”

Over the past three years, the college brought together community stakeholders and industry representatives to determine our community’s most pressing needs, according to the news release. As a result, the college and foundation have key community leaders from both counties serving on the team spearheading the campaign.

“We are asking for support – not for initiatives that the college needs, but for those that will enable the college to better serve the needs of the community,” said Edward Norvell, an attorney and co-chair of the campaign.

The campaign is centered on four key initiatives that address specific needs for the college, including a new advanced technology center, health-care education, an outdoor learning and amphitheater space, and STEAM scholarships for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

“We have been overwhelmed with the support we have already received from this region,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. “While we are excited to report that we have raised $5,352,101 for this campaign – 75.4 percent – we still need further support, and our community members and alumni to join us in meeting this goal.”

In addition to the four main initiatives, the college is also seeking funds for two additional projects – a solar energy investment, and the expansion of the Fire & Emergency Services Training Facility.

“The Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Foundation supports the mission of the college and is proud to provide funding for scholarships and other student assistance, support for academic programming and capital needs, and other needs of the college and the local community,” said Carla Howell, the college’s chief officer of governance, foundation and public relations.

For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, visit www.rccc.edu or call 704-216-7222.