Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College is continuing its popular Buy One Get One Free (BOGO) Scholarship program for the fourth straight semester. The extension, available for the upcoming Fall Semester starting August 19, is open to members of the Chambers of Commerce in Calhoun, Cherokee, and Etowah counties.
The BOGO Scholarship offers a free course for every paid course at Gadsden State, including courses taken during Mini Term 2, which begins October 14. This initiative is part of Gadsden State’s commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth.
Andy Green, Dean of Student Services at Gadsden State, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “This scholarship initiative not only provides valuable financial assistance to Chamber members and their employees but also strengthens the connection between our college and the local business community.”
The BOGO Scholarship aims to ease the financial burden on Chamber members and their employees, helping them progress toward their academic and career goals. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a full- or part-time employee of The Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, or the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, or an employee of a chamber member.
- The scholarship is valid for the Spring Semester 2024, with the possibility of extension if deemed successful by the College or partner chambers.
- Applicable for programs leading to a certificate or an associate degree.
- Must be in good academic standing with any previously attended college.
- Must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to remain eligible.
Steps to Apply:
- Request a letter from your employer on company letterhead. For first-time BOGO applicants, this letter must include:
- Re: GSCC / Chamber Scholarship
- Employee’s Name
- Gadsden State Student ID Number (if known)
- Company Name
- Verification of Current Employment Note: Students who received BOGO funding for the Summer 2024 Semester do not need to resubmit a letter for the Spring Semester.
- Apply for admission to Gadsden State if not already a student.
- Register for classes for the upcoming semester.
- Submit a completed form available on OneACCS from the Gadsden State website. This form requires an attached letter from the employer and a class schedule. Ensure that you are registered for classes before submitting the form for the BOGO funds to be applied appropriately.
Additional Information:
- The BOGO Scholarship cannot be combined with other institutional aid, tuition discounts, or specialized package pricing due to existing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).
- Books, fees, and other costs associated with the free course are the responsibility of the employee.
- The scholarship is not retroactive.
- The performance of the BOGO Scholarship Program will be monitored, and revisions may be made as necessary.
- Representatives from Gadsden State and each Chamber will meet at least once per semester to discuss any proposed changes or updates.
- The program may be terminated with reasonable notice, and any changes will be communicated to the public.
For more detailed information and to apply, visit GadsdenState.edu/BOGO. For questions about the BOGO Scholarship, email [email protected].
