NW-SCC offers scholarship to put students back on degree path

Students who have taken time off from college have the chance to start back on the right foot with a scholarship from Northwest-Shoals Community College. 

Students who attended classes at NW-SCC prior to fall 2019 and have not been enrolled since the then can return to school with their summer tuition free up to 12 credit hours. 

“We hope this will encourage those that had college aspirations prior to the pandemic to enroll back in college,” said Crystal Reed, NW-SCC assistant dean of student services. “Those not receiving federal aid will qualify for the tuition free scholarship if they meet the eligibility requirements.”  

NW-SCC has offered students the chance at a tuition-free semester in the past, but NW-SCC public information officer Trent Randolph said it has never been offered at this magnitude. 

“The pandemic forced many of our students to focus their efforts on supporting their families or themselves,” Randolph said. “In many cases, it forced them to put their education off for the time being. We hope this scholarship gives many an opportunity to continue their education and finish their degree or certificate they previously started at the college.” 

Randolph said NW-SCC thought this would be an ideal time to offer the scholarship because the number of COVID-19 cases are beginning to decline. 

The scholarship is also targeted to help boost attendance at NW-SCC during the summer, which Randolph said typically sees the lowest enrollment numbers from students. 

To be eligible, students must have not been enrolled in NW-SCC since fall 2019; must have a minimum 2.0 grade point average on all college coursework; and must have successfully completed 12 hours at NW-SCC. 

The student must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, complete the 2020-21 FAFSA and attend required mentor meetings. 

The priority deadline to submit the application for the scholarship is May 15. 

To apply, visit https://bit.ly/3sHCoT7 . For more information, email carl.collins@nwscc.edu or call 256-331-8010.