Edgecombe Community College Announces Unique Scholarship Program

Dr. John Enamait, vice president of instruction at Edgecombe Community College, was among those who spoke during a May 12 press conference announcing the EDGE Scholarship.

Edgecombe Community College has joined the national effort to increase the number of college graduates while decreasing the financial burden for students seeking a college diploma.

Beginning in Fall 2016, ECC is offering a three-year EDGE Scholarship to fully fund the education of qualified students at the in-state tuition level.

Current tuition is $76 per semester hour or a maximum of $1,216 for a full-time load of 16 hours.

“The new EDGE Scholarship is generating excitement by cutting through barriers to help make a community college education attainable for a larger number of qualified students,” says Dr. Deborah Lamm, president of Edgecombe Community College. “We are pleased to be able to offer this great option for our students.”

The scholarship is both merit- and need-based and is open to full-time and part-time students who are enrolled at least half-time.

The scholarship covers tuition, books, and fees for the recipients, who must be U.S. citizens. By meeting the requirements and remaining in good standing, EDGE Scholarship students will graduate with a debt-free community college degree.

“The value of the EDGE Scholarship is significant, because it will save my family about $20,000 the first year in tuition, fees, and housing,” says Cathy Dupree. Her son, Staton, a senior at Tarboro High School, will attend ECC in the fall as a College Transfer student.

Staton Dupree is among 30 area high school students from the Class of 2016 to receive the EDGE Scholarship. He will enter Edgecombe Community College this fall with 20 tuition-free college credits from the college’s dual enrollment program with high schools.

Dupree plans to transfer to NC State University for his junior and senior years. He estimates that the EDGE Scholarship will save his family more than $20,000 per year in college expenses before he transfers.

To qualify for the EDGE Scholarship, a student must have a 2.6 grade point average (GPA for high school and/or college credits) and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.6 GPA, remain enrolled at ECC, file the FAFSA annually, and make continuous progress toward a degree.

Students with a 3.5 GPA or greater may receive additional honors as EDGE Scholars. Beyond free in-state tuition, books, and fees, EDGE Scholars will enjoy priority registration and book pick-up services, opportunities for service learning, and invitations to selected college events, performances, and programs.

Perhaps even more prestigious than these advantages, EDGE Scholars will receive recognition on their transcripts and wear the EDGE Scholar cord at graduation.

Gloria Whitaker, 43, is working two part-time jobs following a 2013 layoff from PNC Bank. “I am honored and excited about receiving the EDGE Scholarship,” she says. “It means I can prepare for the future without the burden of expensive loans.”

With a 4.0 GPA from previous college work, Whitaker is an EDGE Scholar pursuing a degree in business administration combined with accounting.

Staton Dupree also is an EDGE Scholar with a 4.0+ GPA.

Thus far, the college has processed 62 applications and awarded 57 EDGE Scholarships. The first recipients include 45 students with a 3.0 GPA or better and 18 with a 3.5 GPA or better, who qualify as EDGE Scholars.

The deadline for EDGE Scholarship applications for fall semester is August 8, 2016.

For information, visit the ECC website or contact Michael Jordan, vice president of student services, at jordanm@edgecombe.edu or (252) 823-5166, ext. 295.