Marvin Walder/The Broadside
The COCC Foundation Scholarship is well known for supporting students by offering around 400 scholarship awards annually, totaling $1.7 million dollars in financial aid. This makes it one of the primary financial aid sources for many students, as an award can cover tuition and even be renewed automatically for a total of three years.
The application process for the scholarship is very simple and there are only a few requirements. Typically, recipients of the scholarship would also have to volunteer at a COCC Foundation event in order to be eligible for automatic renewal of the scholarship. This is because these events are critical to raising funding for the scholarship. However this year, due to COVID-19, the volunteering requirement is being waived due to a lack of in-person events. Here is an excerpt from an official email sent to existing scholarship recipients:
“You will not need to volunteer event this year in order to have your scholarship renewed, the requirement is being waived. However, you may be contacted and asked to speak at a virtual meeting/event, submit a video etc., if you are able, please do so. There are still several engagements that the Foundation is doing to keep our scholarship program strong for next year!”
Additionally, the recent communication to existing scholarship recipients reaffirmed the other requirements of the scholarship. Here is what was included:
“In order to have your scholarship automatically renewed you need to complete the following requirements. Your scholarship can be renewed up to two additional years (three years total) if you:
- Maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA
- Complete a minimum of 24 credits during the academic year (summer 2020 – spring 2021)
- Register for a minimum of 6-8 credits in the fall term of your renewal year (Fall 2021)
You will NOT need to reapply for a COCC Foundation Scholarship next year. If you meet all the above parameters then you will automatically be qualified for a renewal scholarship and will receive a letter or email confirming your interest in early July for the following academic year.“
For new students, the scholarship is still accepting applications until July 1st, and it is highly recommended that students apply for it. There is also a COCC Student Emergency Fund that can help students facing financial struggles. Further information about both the COCC Foundation Scholarship and the COCC Student Emergency Fund can be found on the COCC Website at this link.
