The Galveston College Foundation Board, in collaboration with key contributors to the Universal Access Community Endowment Scholarship Fund, is expanding the UA program criteria for the next two academic years.
“The GC Foundation Board has approved expansions to the Universal Access program to include GC baccalaureate candidates, GC advanced certificate CT and MRI candidates, and graduates of Galveston College taxing district high schools who may live off-island, if they meet all the other requirements,” said GC Foundation Board Chair, Keith McFatridge. “In addition, the timeframe of having to apply to UA within 16 months of graduation has been waived during these two years, so if you have been out of school for a while and want to now come back to GC to pursue a degree, this is your opportunity.”
“The GC Foundation Board wants to support students in their pursuit of higher education, and we currently have the funds to expand,” he added. “We are thankful to major donors who have agreed to allow the Foundation to use their contributions for a few of these expansions that are outside the scope of the original Universal Access program. If we can continue to sustain fundraising efforts and these changes prove beneficial to students, we will consider making the changes long-term.”
Universal Access Scholarships are provided by the Galveston College Foundation to ensure every eligible high school graduate, or equivalent, who resides in the Galveston College taxing district, has the opportunity to attend college, receive an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or acquire technical training through a workforce development program and obtain a certificate.
Since 2001, the Universal Access Endowment Scholarship has supported over 2,000 students. These students were not eligible for federal or state funding– oftentimes because their income exceeded eligibility limits, yet they still needed financial assistance to complete their studies and graduate. The Galveston College Foundation has raised significant sums for the Universal Access Endowment and individual scholarships. Thanks to consistent generosity from the Galveston community, area foundations, and businesses, the Universal Access Endowment has been able to upgrade tuition support over the years.
For more information about the Galveston College Foundation Universal Access program, contact the Office of Development and GC Foundation at 409-944-1306, email [email protected], or visit https://gc.edu/about-gc/administration/give/universal-access.php.
ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE
Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.