Columbia company donates to masonry program

  POPLARVILLE – A major donation from Columbia Block and Brick will further the education of brick, block and stonemasonry students at Pearl River Community College.
  The company donated $1,110 worth of supplies to the program – 1,040 bricks and 540 blocks in three sizes along with mortar.
  The donation frees budgeted funds for other uses, said Porter Soley, program director.
  “When budgets are tight, it helps to be able to buy tools for training,” he said.
  The company has provided several donations in the past to support the program.
   “Columbia Block and Brick has been a longtime outstanding industry partner for Pearl River Community College,” said Dr. Scott Alsobrooks, vice president for economic and community development. “The supplies donated will be used by students in the laboratory setting to learn skills that will help them with gaining a job in the construction industry. This donation will help building contractors meet their talent needs as the economy continues to grow and contractors hire more workers.”
  Students in the program can earn a certificate of proficiency in one year or an associate in applied science degree in two years.
  For more information about the PRCC brick, block and stonemasonry program, contact Soley at 601 403-1161 or go to https://prcc.edu/career-tech/block-brick-stonemasonry.