By Patsy Joyner
COLUMNIST

Through the generosity of various local individuals and organizations, a number of scholarships and grants are available at PDCCC to help students “Get Ahead.”

These scholarships provide access to college for many students who do not qualify for financial aid on paper, but have limited resources to pursue their education. Available local scholarships are published in booklets and disseminated prior to fall and spring semesters. They are listed on the college’s website, as well.

Since fall semester begins in August, following are a few examples of fall semester scholarship options for those who plan ahead.

American Association of University Women, Suffolk Branch

Persons enrolling in a degree program after having been out of school or college for at least two years are eligible for this $750 scholarship. Other criteria include two letters of reference, a short essay explaining why you consider attending PDCCC to be a “second chance” at education and why this award would be financially beneficial to the applicant; Suffolk residency; and prospective, current, or former PDCCC student.

Kiwanis Club of Suffolk Scholarship

Criteria for this $500 scholarship include 3.0 GPA or higher; Suffolk residency, and prospective, current, or former PDCCC student.

RE/MAX Career Grant

Established and funded by RE/MAX AcrossTown Inc., in Suffolk, this scholarship fund provides two annual $500 Career Preparation Grants for Suffolk students. Criteria include interest in career/job preparation; Suffolk residency; enrollment in at least six semester hours of an Associate or Applied Science degree or certificate program at PDCCC.

Suffolk Ruritan Memorial Nursing Scholarship

One scholarship, up to $3,600 per Associate Degree Registered Nurse class, is given to cover tuition for five semesters, contingent on maintaining a minimum 2.50 GPA (full tuition for first two semesters and half tuition for remaining three semesters). Criteria for selection include: College service area residency, preferably in Suffolk; acceptance into the RN program at PDCCC; financial need; a plan to work in the service area upon graduation; three letters of recommendation, referencing character and community work; minimum 2.5 GPA; and essay explaining why applicant merits the scholarship, including financial need.

Lawrence M. Farmer Memorial Scholarship

This $350 memorial scholarship was established by Mr. Farmer’s wife Jean to honor her husband and his unique and outstanding careers as a parole officer, member of the Secret Service, and on retirement, a nationally renowned expert on handwriting analysis. Criteria for selection include resident of the College’s service area; three letters of recommendation; and an essay on career goals.

The application deadline for the above scholarships is June 24 (with notification by July 22).

For information on other scholarships, call 569-6700, or visit www.pdc.edu. For details on how to establish a scholarship, call 569-6791.

Dr. Patsy Joyner is the vice president for Institutional Advancement at PDCCC.