Press release via Blue Ridge Community College
This fall, Blue Ridge Community College offers Brighter Future scholarships to all college-eligible students for fall semester 2021 and spring semester 2022.
Economic growth requires a well-trained and educated workforce. This scholarship offer will provide a way for more of our citizens to train and get jobs in our communities. We want everyone to have a clear and affordable path to a good job that lifts all financial burdens of attending college.
The Brighter Future scholarship will be awarded to all college-eligible students who desire to begin or continue their education, including:
- Adults with some college
- Adults with no college
- Recent high school graduates
- Full- and part-time students (taking at least 6 credit hours)
- Students who take courses in-person or online
- Career changers
- Anyone who wants to start college for the first time or maybe for the second or third time
Who is eligible?
A student may receive a Brighter Future scholarship if they meet the following criteria:
- has received a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma or be enrolled at Blue Ridge as a dual-enrolled high school student
- be enrolled at Blue Ridge as of August 24, 2021 and take a minimum of six credit hours (typically two courses)
- a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes
Note:
- DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) will be eligible for the Brighter Future scholarship but should work closely with the inancial aid office.
- Assistance may be available for students taking eligible continuing education workforce training courses.
What does it cover?
Tuition, fees, and books.
Students with financial need (determined by completion of the FAFSA) may be eligible for additional aid to help pay for expenses such as child care, supplies and transportation.
Where Do I Begin?
If you are a current student or have applied within the last year, there is no need to submit a new admission application. You just need to register for your classes (if you have not done so), and complete steps 3-6 listed below.
New to Blue Ridge?
If you are new to Blue Ridge, here are the steps to make sure we build a financial aid package for each individual:
- Complete residency determination through the North Carolina Residency Determination Service (RDS).
- Complete the application for admission online.
- Complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and use Blue Ridge code 009684.
- Complete the Foundation Scholarship application.
- Submit the Brighter Futures application.
- Meet the eligibility requirements listed above.
Questions?
This is exciting news, and we are working to clearly and concisely compile all the details and information for you. We will continue to update this webpage as needed.
If you have any questions, contact us and ask about the Brighter Future scholarship:
Email: admissions@blueridge.edu
Phone:(828) 694-1800
Text:(828) 600-4876Important Note: Federal relief funds allocated to the Brighter Future program will be awarded only after applicants apply and register at Blue Ridge and complete a FAFSA. These scholarship funds were made available to Blue Ridge Community College and other colleges by Congress under Section 18004(a)(2) of the Education Stabilization Fund of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. Some applicants will also qualify for the NC Longleaf Commitment Grant (2021 high school graduates), Foundation scholarships and other various sources. The Brighter Future Scholarship is a last-dollar program and the Financial Aid staff will evaluate eligibility for federal, state, and local grants prior to awarding a Brighter Future Scholarship.
Brighter Future Scholarships are contingent on available funding.
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