What is the "Forging Futures Scholarship?"
Through generous grant funds awarded to WCC by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC), the WCC Educational Foundation established the "WCC Forging Futures Scholarship Program," a unique program that provides tuition assistance to qualified students in the WCC service region, which includes Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, and Wythe counties and Galax City. The tuition scholarship only cover the in-state tuition rate.
Who is eligible?
The WCC Forging Futures Scholarship Program will assist the following student populations from the WCC service region in priority order.
1. Students taking certification programs that can be completed in six months or less
2. STEM-H and Advanced Manufacturing students who can attain their degree/certificate within one year
3. STEM-H and Advanced Manufacturing students who are working toward a degree or certificate
4. All other community college students who might obtain their degree/certificate within one year
5. All other full-time, program-placed students
First priority will be given to students taking credit or non-credit, short-term programs that are six months long or less. Currently these programs include truck driver training, lineman training, certified nurse aid training, and welding training (additional short-term programs may also be added in the future). Scholarship recipients must have financial need and be at or under 400% of the federal poverty level as indicated by IRS documentation. The scholarship will only assist with payment of one-sixth of the total cost on the student’s first attempt; those who do not complete or pass the program cannot receive future funding for the same program. For students receiving New Economy Workforce Credential funding for non-credit programs, the scholarship program will support one-sixth of the cost of the training program and certification, (half of the one-third share the student is responsible for) with the remainder to be covered by NEWC and potentially state FANTIC funds or other sources.
Second priority will be given to WCC students enrolled in STEM-H programs (science, technology, engineering, math, and healthcare) who can attain their degree or certificate within one year. These students must have financial need and minimum 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale to be eligible to receive a scholarship award.
Third priority will be given to WCC students enrolled in STEM-H programs (science, technology, engineering, math, and healthcare) who are working toward a degree or certificate. These students must have financial need and minimum 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale to be eligible to receive a scholarship award.
Fourth priority will be given to WCC students in one-year programs who are working toward a degree or certificate. These students must have financial need and minimum 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale to be eligible to receive a scholarship award.
Fifth priority will be given to WCC students in all other programs who are working toward a degree or certificate. These students must have financial need and minimum 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale to be eligible to receive a scholarship award.
What does the scholarship cover?
These scholarships are "tuition only" and can only be used strictly for tuition and fees and are designed to help fill the gap not covered through federal, state, and other financial aid. All awarded federal and state financial aid, including any student loans, must be applied to the student's account first. The scholarship cannot be used to purchase books or supplies.
How can I apply?
Students can apply for the "Forging Futures Scholarship" by filling out the scholarship application. For your convenience, the application can be completed and submitted online.
To be considered for any scholarship, applicants must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov to determine whether or not the applicant meets established income guidelines. For more information about financial aid and the FAFSA, please click here for WCC financial aid or call the office toll free at 1-800-468-1195, extension 4703. On the WCC main campus, the Financial Aid Office is located in Bland Hall, Room 221.
What else should I know about this and other scholarships at WCC?
This scholarship program has made obtaining training for employment at WCC much more affordable for many students. Many "Forging Futures" scholarships are awarded each semester. Priority is given students in the above priority categories, and scholarship awards are subject to available funding. In addition to the "Forging Futures Scholarship," the WCC Educational Foundation also has many other scholarships. Click here for a list of WCC scholarships or use the Virginia Education Wizard.
What if I have questions about the scholarship or the application process?
Please call (276)223-4771 or email foundation@wcc.vccs.edu with any questions regarding this scholarship or the application process. WCC Educational Foundation staff members will also be happy to speak with you on campus during our regular office hours, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.