CSCC’s Adult Promise Scholarship Opened Doors for Hagood

Adult Promise Student Matthew Hagood

CSCC’s Adult Promise Scholarship Opened Doors for Hagood

Holly Vincent
Tuesday, May 31, 2016 3:26 PM
All, Students

CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Cleveland State student Matthew Hagood thought his days of attending college were over until he found out about CSCC’s Adult Promise Scholarship. The Adult Promise Scholarship is provided by CSCC and the Cleveland State Foundation to offer adults in the community who require financial assistance an opportunity to attend college with a “last dollar” scholarship.
Hagood was already enrolled at CSCC where he was paying for his own classes when he has a change in his financial situation and was not going to be able to return to school.
“The Adult Promise is the only reason I’m able to attend college at all now,” stated Hagood. It has really helped me a lot. Before I had heard of it, I thought college was basically over—at least for the time being. This has really opened doors for me.”
Dr. Bill Seymour, CSCC President, said, “We know that adult students are in great need of financial support to access education that will enhance their careers and livelihoods. This is why CSCC, along with the Cleveland State Foundation strategically reallocated its scholarship funding to provide even greater assistance to adult students – creating the Adult Promise Scholarship.”
Hagood recently changed his major to Business through CSCC’s Advance program for working adults. This is the college’s accelerated program that offers students a quick and convenient way to obtain a college degree by attending class only one night a week. Students complete the degree in a fast-paced format by working with the same group of students throughout the program.
“At CSCC, there is a wide demographic,” stated Hagood. “I’ve seen students of all ages—even people in their 40’s and 50’s going back to school. You don’t have to worry about there not being students in your age group because there are students in every age group.”
“I'm excited that Adult Promise gives our adult students an opportunity to go to school without worrying about where the money will come from or taking on any debt,” stated Kim Wills, Financial Aid Counselor. “Many of them have jobs, families, responsibilities -- making time for school is a big deal, so we're happy to work with the Cleveland State Foundation to provide the funds.”
Hagood continued, “I like that the classes at Cleveland State are accessible to you in different locations, like the Athens campus. I also like that they are setting up more programs and services for working adults like the Advance program and the Adult Promise. They are also helping people that are already in the workforce advance their careers by completing their education.”
For those who qualify, the Adult Promise scholarship will fund the remainder of a student’s tuition bill after state and federal grants, employee assistance, outside scholarships and discounts are applied. Eligible applicants must be 19 or older; considered independent per federal aid guidelines; not eligible for Tennessee Promise; and not yet completed an Associate’s Degree. Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.gov) and be in good standing for academic and aid purposes. (Funds will be distributed as available.)
For more information on CSCC’s Adult Promise Scholarship or other scholarships, contact Wills at (423) 472-7141, ext. 355 or visit the CSCC website at www.clevelandstatecc.edu.
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