Full-tuition scholarship programs announced at Gateway Community and Technical College

In two different announcements, Gateway Community and Technical College provided information about two scholarship programs that will allow eligible students to attend without any tuition costs. One of the scholarships is for early childhood educators who work at a state-approved child care facility, and can be used to earn an Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education credential and then continue on to a bachelor's degree. The other program offers free tuition to first-time GCTC students and returning students who have not attended for more than a year.

The first news release, published October 6, states that the Kentucky Division of Child Care is providing funding for the scholarships, which will be available between January of next year and September 2024. Applicants must work at least twenty hours per week at a licensed early child care facility to be eligible for this scholarship that pays for full-time tuition costs. Students can use the scholarship to earn any Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education credential, and also to earn a bachelor's degree.

Dr. Sarah Smith, Gateway associate professor and program coordinator, said, "We are so excited about this new funding. This scholarship will provide our Early Childhood Education students a chance to graduate with a degree debt-free. Students in our program will be able to work part-time or full-time during the day and take remote classes from Gateway at night from home. Ultimately, this will increase high quality early childhood education experiences for children, families, and teachers."

The second news release, published October 18, details a "last-dollar in" tuition program for first-time students and those who are returning to GCTC after at least a year. The scholarship will take effect after other scholarships and grant sources are applied and is only in effect for the Spring 2022 semester. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must complete a FAFSA application and apply for (but not necessarily qualify for) the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship.

GCTC President Dr. Fernando Figueroa said in the news release, "We know that the ongoing pandemic has made a lot of people put their life and education goals on hold for many different reasons. This scholarship, where students can get their first semester on us, will remove the financial barrier that many new students face."

The deadline to apply for both of these scholarship opportunities is November 15, 2021.