WINTERVILLE—The Pitt Community College Foundation is encouraging prospective fall students, including high school seniors and current PCC students, to apply for scholarships, starting next month.
On Thursday, PCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement Marianne Cox announced that the foundation would be accepting scholarship applications for the 2020-21 academic year between Feb. 1 and April 1. She encouraged everyone planning to enroll in PCC courses during the 2020 Fall Semester to visit the PCC website (www.pittcc.edu) and search “scholarships” for details on each scholarship offered and an online application.
“The PCC Foundation is committed to removing barriers that make it difficult for students to earn credentials they can use to secure gainful employment,” Cox said. “By reducing the financial burden students often encounter in their pursuit of a college education, scholarships play a key role in fostering student success.”
PCC Scholarship Coordinator Kim Simpkins said the online application system utilized by the foundation has been in place for several years and has significantly improved the efficiency of the selection process. Based on information applicants provide, she says the software can match them with scholarships for which they are qualified, since many of the awards have specific eligibility guidelines.
Before newcomers can apply for PCC Foundation scholarships, Simpkins says they must complete and submit a PCC admissions application. She explained that acceptance letters from the college include important login credentials needed to access and complete the online scholarship application form.
Simpkins also pointed out that all scholarship applicants must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, since it is a requirement for many of the awards the PCC Foundation offers.
Once the application deadline has passed, Simpkins says the PCC Foundation Scholarship Committee will work with PCC Institutional Advancement staff to administer and award most of the available scholarships using the online system. Government-funded awards and several specific scholarships, such as the N.C. Education Lottery and Golden LEAF scholarships, will continue to be awarded by PCC’s Financial Aid Department.
During the current academic year, the PCC Foundation has awarded nearly $300,000 in scholarships in recognition of academic achievement and to provide assistance to students in financial need. Revenue for the awards is generated through a variety of fundraising events and philanthropic donors wanting to invest in the educational opportunities of local students.
01/24/2020