Scholarships available from Washington State Community College, foundation
Trending
MARIETTA -- To promote access to college for students throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley, Washington State Community College and the Washington State Community College Foundation offer more than a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships each year.
While Washington State offers low tuition rates, students are encouraged to apply for scholarships to help make their education even more affordable.
Washington State and its Foundation are accepting applications for scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Forty-four percent of Washington State students have a household income of less than $30,000, said Reba Bartrug, Washington State's Director of Enrollment Services and Financial Aid. While the institution has one of the lowest tuition rates in the state, paying for college is the biggest obstacle for its students.
"For many of our students, the dream of going to college can only be a reality if there is financial aid available. The scholarships we award annually are a valuable means of supporting those dreams," emphasized Bartrug.
Through March 15, applications are being accepted for more than $300,000 in scholarships available from the college and the foundation. Scholarships range from $250 to awards that pay all tuition, fee and book expenses.
Selection is based on a variety of factors including financial need and academic merit.
Bartrug said students only need to prepare one simplified scholarship application, the One and Done Application, to be considered for any of the awards available. The application is available online at wscc.edu/scholarships.
"Financial funding like scholarships remove barriers and help students earn a degree that leads to a job with good earnings potential," college President Dr. Vicky Wood said.
Each year the college has a larger pool of scholarship applicants, however, with rising inflation combined with the increase in enrollment, Wood anticipates "the need will be greater than ever before."
She is working with the foundation to reach out to the community to connect with individuals and businesses who are interested in helping to expand scholarship support.
"When we help our students, we are ultimately strengthening our community," Wood said.
Last spring, Erica Barnett submitted her One and Done Application. She is a Respiratory Therapy program student.
As a result, she was awarded one of the foundation's largest scholarships, the Donald Morris Charitable Trust Scholarship. This renewable award covers her tuition, standard fees, books, mandatory supplies, licensing and testing fees.
For Barnett, who prior to enrolling at Washington State had needed to work as many as three jobs at one time to make ends meet, said she enrolled in college to "create a better future for my child."
"I am very grateful," the 24-year-old mom said. "I am a mom with a 2-year-old and it was very scary to go back to school and get loans to pay for it. Now with this scholarship, I don't have to worry about it. I am now more ready than ever to create a career and be the best I can for my family."