Scholarships have long served as a beacon of hope for students pursuing higher education, offering financial assistance to those who aspire to a brighter future.
The Senior Financial Aid Counselor at Georgia Highlands College, Lisa Garrett, shared valuable insights into the scholarship application process and opportunities available for students.
“Students must meet general eligibility criteria before diving into the application process,” she said.
These include Georgia residency, U.S. citizenship or equivalent status and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
“Once students meet these requirements, they can access our scholarship application system,” Garrett said.
The process begins by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and ensuring all verifications and requirements are in order.
Financial need often plays a significant role in scholarship eligibility, with many scholarships at GHC being need-based. Garrett mentions that students who are Pell Grant eligible or eligible for a subsidized loan based on financial need can apply for these scholarships.
However, it’s not all about financial need. Garrett points out that there are also scholarships without this requirement, like the completion scholarships available in the fall and spring. These scholarships are primarily for students progressing toward graduation and consider factors such as grade level and GPA.
GHC offers a diverse range of scholarships, including those based on degree pathways such as dental hygiene, nursing, teacher education, and psychology majors.
There are also scholarships for students who have been supported by the Disability Support Office and those involved in social justice causes. Bartow County residents can explore the Bartow County Service Scholarship, which requires community service.
Garrett encourages students to leverage valuable resources like the scholarship application system, Award Spring, which provides a user-friendly platform to search for and apply for available scholarships.
“The system suggests scholarships based on students’ answers and additional requirements may include essays or letters of recommendation,” she says.
To increase their chances of securing scholarships, Garrett offers several valuable tips. “Take the application seriously,” she says.
Some scholarships may require essays or more detailed responses, so allocating sufficient time and effort is essential.
She also suggests students submit recommendations. Utilizing the option to upload letters of recommendation can significantly enhance their applications.
Moreover, applying as soon as the application becomes available is wise, as it ensures students don’t miss out on potential opportunities.
Scholarship applications have specific deadlines, typically aligned with fee payment deadlines. After students submit their applications, it may take two to three weeks for the review process.
Successful applicants will be notified through their GHC student email address.
For high school seniors or prospective college students, Garrett recommends initiating the scholarship search as soon as they decide on their college. Seeking guidance from the Office of Financial Aid can be a crucial first step.
Scholarships represent more than just financial aid; they embody opportunities for students to pursue their educational dreams. With the insights and resources provided by the financial aid staff, GHC actively works to make these opportunities accessible to all aspiring higher education achievers.
