Recent high school graduates in the greater Bridgeport region have another reason to celebrate: Housatonic Community College (HCC) will provide a free community college experience during the 2019-2020 year.
The college proudly announced ‘The Housatonic Promise’ today, a merit-based scholarship just in time for enrollment in HCC’s fall term. The program pays for a student’s tuition and fees after all other federal, institutional and state aid have been applied, and is available to all students, regardless of immigration status.
“Qualifying students this year have an opportunity to receive an outstanding education for free,” said Dr. Paul Broadie, President of Housatonic Community College. “This landmark scholarship at HCC will allow talented students to join our culture of high-achievement and performance, choose from over 75 programs of study, and connect with our graduates who are some of the most successful leaders in their fields.”
The Housatonic Promise program is funded by generous support through the Housatonic Community College Foundation. A donor made this exciting initiative possible by launching it with a $100,000 grant to create the innovative scholarship for high-achieving students in need.
“We’re giving students who have a track record of academic achievement the chance to harness their potential in an environment focused on student success,” said Dr. Broadie. “This investment will yield a better educated community and greater economic development for the entire region.”
Here are the requirements:
- Eligibility:
- The program is open to students who reside in the college’s regional service area, have attended a CT Public or Charter high school for two or more years, and have graduated by the end of 2018-2019 academic year with a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from one of the HCC identified Public or Charter High Schools;
- Students must demonstrate unmet financial need, and there are limits on family income.
- The Housatonic Promise program is open to all community college students regardless of citizenship.
- Enrollment:
- Students must enroll full-time (12 or more credits) in an associate degree program at HCC within two years of graduation.
- Enrollment must take place by the Fall term of the 2019-20 academic year, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form must be completed.
- As an HCC student, a minimum 2.5 GPA must be maintained as well as a full-time course load.
- Awards:
- If approved, awards, which begin at $500, will be payable directly to the college to cover students’ tuition and fees.
- Scholarships are available for a maximum of two years, and are renewable after the first year if all conditions are met.
Applications are now being accepted. Visit https://www.housatonic.edu/admissions-financial-aid/scholarships to complete an application form. Completed applications must be submitted to: Dean of Student Services Office, Housatonic Community College (HCC), Lafayette Hall, Office A110a, 900 Lafayette Boulevard, Bridgeport, CT 06604-4704. A high school transcript, and completed FAFSA or Income Verification Sheet will also need to be submitted. The number of students who can be assisted will be subject to the availability of funds.
“Additional donations to the scholarship are welcome,” said Kristy Jelenik, Executive Director of the Housatonic Community College Foundation. “Providing financially struggling students the opportunity to receive a college education is a chance for donors to make a real difference.”
To learn more about contributing to The Housatonic Promise, contact Kristy Jelenik, or call 203-332-5078.