Graham, N.C. - The Joshua Dane Hughes Foundation has established both the Joshua Dane Hughes Memorial Scholarship and the Joshua Dane Hughes Foundation Fund for Clubs at Alamance Community College (ACC), creating new opportunities for student success while honoring the life and legacy of Joshua Dane Hughes.
The new scholarship and club fund were established by Joshua’s parents, Steven and Juanita Hughes, to celebrate what they describe as the “Josh Effect”—a legacy of kindness, service, leadership, and a commitment to helping others.
Joshua Hughes was a distinguished graduate of Western Alamance High School, where he served as class president and graduated as salutatorian in 2011. He continued his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a double major in Political Science and Religious Studies. Following graduation, Hughes worked with the Catholic Archdiocese and the Cambridge Housing Authority before pursuing master’s degrees at University College London and King’s College London. He later earned selection as one of only 250 nationwide Presidential Management Fellows and began his federal service career with the Department of Defense at Space Force Command.
The Joshua Dane Hughes Memorial Scholarship will provide financial assistance to Alamance County residents who graduated from Western Alamance High School and are enrolled in ACC’s University Transfer program with plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition, the Joshua Dane Hughes Foundation Fund for Clubs will support student engagement through funding opportunities for the Mock Trial Team, History Club, and PRISM Club, in that order of priority. The foundation intends to contribute $1,000 toward each initiative beginning with the Fall 2026 semester, with awards distributed as funds become available.
“These initiatives reflect Joshua’s lifelong commitment to education, leadership, inclusion, and service,” said Steven and Juanita Hughes. “Through these opportunities, we hope students will continue to experience the positive impact of the Josh Effect for years to come,” said Juanita Hughes.
About Alamance Community College
Founded in 1958, Alamance Community College (ACC) serves more than 10,000 students annually through curriculum, continuing education, and workforce development programs. Located in Graham, NC, ACC is a cornerstone of education and economic development for Alamance County and the surrounding region. With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and student success, the College prepares graduates to be workforce-ready and empowers learners of all ages to achieve their educational and career goals.
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