By Gary Collins/managing editor
TCC is making it easier for students looking to get their piece of the pie, the financial aid pie that is.
Students can now apply for TCC Foundation scholarships online. The new method allows students to search and apply online at their own convenience.
Previously, students applying for scholarships had to go through the TCC financial aid offices.
Applying online allows the students time to assemble the necessary paper work such as recommendation letters or personal information before applying.
“The new system will hopefully increase our pool of applicants for the many deserving students,” Erika Williams, SE director of financial aid, said.
When applying online, students can access scholarships through the TCC Foundation as well as campus financial aid offices.
TCC decided to implement the change based on response from students.
“The feedback from students revealed to us that they prefer to complete applications online. In fact, 96 percent of our FAFSA applicants complete their FAFSA online,” David Ximenez, district financial aid director said. “There are also cost savings involved in our online applications.”
Ximenez said online applications will be processed more efficiently, and the search committees will be able to access applications remotely and select recipients 24/7.
One feature to the online process is the ability to start the application, save it and resume later.
Applicants can use their e-mail address to submit information to financial aid such as letters of recommendations, matching eligible students with scholarships. Online users will have to submit only one application for both financial aid and Foundation scholarships.
“The information submitted online will be very secure,” he said. “Student information is always protected and will not be released to individuals not associated with TCC.”
The TCC Foundation awards scholarships to students earning degrees and certificates of completion. TCC Foundation scholarships are awarded in the fall. To be eligible for fall 2008, a Financial Aid and Foundation Scholarship application needs to be completed by May 16.
To receive more information, visit the TCC Web site at www.tccd.edu/scholarships.
Various academic departments also offer scholarships but eligibilities vary and might require a specific major.
“In the long term we hope to make other TCC department scholarships available through this new tool,” he said. “The tool will also free up time for staff to promote scholarships and answer questions students have about applying for and receiving scholarships at TCC.”
