State Funded Grants Extend Funding for College Students

Napierra Alexander
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 12:00 AM
Students, Community, All, TBR

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - More opportunities for financial assistance for post secondary education will be available for the upcoming fall semester at Cleveland State Community College. State funded grants are updating eligibility requirements and increasing dollar amount assistance to students who qualify. 

Whether you’re an adult learner pursuing your career, or a high school student planning for your future after graduation, the TN Reconnect Program, the Dual Enrollment Grant, and the Middle College Grant are giving students more affordable opportunities to complete their degree. 

“The State of Tennessee continues to place a strong emphasis on education, and this is evident through the new and expanded funding programs focused on helping community college students and others,” stated Dr. Seymour, President of Cleveland State. “While many states are cutting budgets, Tennessee's strong economy is fueling new opportunities to enhance our workforce.”

Grants for adult learners are updating their eligibility through the TN Reconnect program. Previously, the program allowed an age requirement of 24, now, starting December 31, 2022, TN Reconnect eligibility can include students who are 23 and older regardless of dependency status on the FAFSA. Students can not have previously earned an associate degree or more advanced degree and are enrolled in an eligible program of study.

“When Tennessee Reconnect was first implemented back in 2018, we knew this was a great initiative to help adults return to higher education to gain new skills, advance in the workplace, and fulfill lifelong dreams of completing a degree or credential,” stated Natalia Williams, Adult Student Services Coordinator at Cleveland State. “Now that the TN Reconnect Grant is available to students who are classified as independent on the FAFSA OR at least 23 years of age by January 1 of the academic year, this is a wonderful opportunity for us to recruit and reach more adult students to come to Cleveland State Community College.”

The Dual Enrollment Grant is increasing the amount of funding by paying full tuition for five courses a term. Starting fall 2022, the grant will cover 10 courses for a full academic year as long as the students remain eligible. Dual Enrollment courses can be grant paid at a rate of $100 per credit hour and will not be taken from a student's HOPE scholarship, which was offered in previous years. Students will also see an increase in the HOPE scholarship by $100 per term and they can also take advantage of receiving an increase on the max PELL Grant by $200 per term. 

High school students who are enrolled in Cleveland State’s Tennessee Valley Early College (TVEC) will be able to apply for the Middle College Grant. This scholarship will pay for more than 12 credit hours per semester. Previously, students would receive $1,250 per semester, but starting in the fall, students will receive $2,000 per semester. 

Cleveland State is dedicated to encouraging and utilizing these grants for students while attending. For more information on enrollment and scholarships, call (423)472-7141, or visit the website at clevelandstatecc.edu.