By Karen Gavis/editor-in-chief
Applications for TCC Foundation scholarships are now available. Students planning to attend TCC in the fall have until April 25 to apply for a chance to lessen their financial burden for the 2013-14 school year.
“There are some [scholarships] that are $2,000,” said scholarship manager Rhonda Seyfried. “$750 is the average.”
The foundation offers more than 300 scholarships. Applicants can view a list of 100 endowed and dedicated scholarships through a link on the district’s website. Other scholarships include community organization and school district partnerships.
TR student Patrick Johnson received a $500 scholarship for the spring semester.
“I was surprised. I was real happy,” he said. “That was the first scholarship I had ever gotten.”
Johnson said both of his parents are deceased, and the scholarship was a way for him to be recognized for his grades. It has also encouraged him to apply for other scholarships.
“It let me know, yeah, I can get a scholarship,” he said.
All students can apply for merit-based foundation scholarships. Those applying for need-based scholarships must turn in a completed FAFSA to the foundation by May 1.
“There are so many students that need help right now,” Seyfried said.
Physical therapy student Kenneth Stapleton was one student needing help. Approaching his last semester before graduation, Stapleton said his wife had left him, he had pawned just about everything he owned of value and he had no way to pay for his classes.
The foundation awarded him $1,500.
“It paid for my classes, and I was able to breathe,” he said. “I will graduate in May.”
When filling out the application online, students can return to the form as many times as needed until it is complete, Seyfried said. The process requires two references and an essay. E-references must be received by May 1.
Seyfried stressed the essay’s importance, saying a well-written story can have more effect on decisions than a high GPA.
“The impact of the narrative is very high,” she said.
Seyfried said since these are TCC scholarships, students who plan to attend another college in the fall should not apply.
The foundation also offers the R. Gordon and Louise Appleman professional development award for TCC faculty and staff members. The most recent recipients of the $500 award were NE biology associate professor Mary French and TR English associate professor Jean Maines.
“The Appleman winners, they are doing great things out there,” Seyfried said.
