UPPER CUMBERLAND – The Roane State Foundation’s application for student scholarships is now open for the 2022-2023 academic year.
By applying for a scholarship through the Roane State Foundation, students have the opportunity to compete for one of more than 500 scholarships awarded to students each year. Any part-time or full-time RSCC student with a minimum 2.5 GPA is eligible to apply.
The deadline for students to apply for available scholarships is May 31, 2022. The application is available at roanestate.edu/foundationscholarships. More than $500,000 in scholarships has been awarded already in the current academic year.
“We believe every student should have the opportunity to pursue their goals,” said Scott Niermann, executive director of Roane State Foundation. “Whether you are graduating from high school, a current student returning to Roane State or starting your journey as a non-traditional adult student, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.”
The Tennessee Promise scholarship covers tuition costs for conventional students enrolled after graduating from high school. Tennessee Reconnect is the program covering tuition costs for students 24 and older who are returning to college or enrolling for the first time.
Niermann said Roane State Foundation scholarships are available to help pay for additional expenses such as textbooks, school supplies and transportation needs.
He added that educational expenses for the typical student can total around $1,500 a year, while those in the healthcare field who need special shoes, scrubs and other related items can incur as much as twice that in additional costs annually.
Most students in dual enrollment – who receive college credit for courses taken while in high school – can receive grant support through the State of Tennessee. However, those on a technical career path or dual enrollment students taking more than five college-level courses may need even more financial assistance.
There is also some state funding for Middle College students – those who can graduate from high school and obtain a Roane State associate degree at the same time – but not enough to cover all expenses. They are also eligible for Foundation scholarships through a separate application process.
In honor of the recent milestone 50th anniversary of Roane State, a general scholarship fund has been endowed by generous supporters to help any student in any county. Any community member who would like to help grow this endowment can contribute a gift online at roanestate.edu/raiderfund.
Roane State is a two-year college providing transfer programs, career-preparation programs and continuing education. Founded in 1971, the college has locations in Roane, Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, Anderson and Scott counties as well as a branch campus in Oak Ridge. For more information, visit roanestate.edu.
Roane State Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) corporation governed by an independent board of directors and established to provide financial support for Roane State students and programs. The Foundation seeks to enhance community awareness of the college, to secure private contributions and bequests and to manage monies or properties given to the Foundation. For more information, visit roanestate.edu/foundationor email Foundationdept@roanestate.edu.