Cleveland State’s Adult Promise Scholarship Opened Doors For Hagood

  • Thursday, May 26, 2016
Matthew Hagood of Athens was able to return to school after receiving the Adult Promise Scholarship
Matthew Hagood of Athens was able to return to school after receiving the Adult Promise Scholarship

Cleveland State student Matthew Hagood thought his days of attending college were over until he found out about CSCC’s Adult Promise Scholarship. The Adult Promise Scholarship is provided by CSCC and the Cleveland State Foundation to offer adults in the community who require financial assistance an opportunity to attend college with a “last dollar” scholarship.

Mr. Hagood was already enrolled at CSCC where he was paying for his own classes when he had a change in his financial situation and was not going to be able to return to school.

“The Adult Promise is the only reason I’m able to attend college at all now,” said Mr. Hagood. "It has really helped me a lot. Before I had heard of it, I thought college was basically over—at least for the time being. This has really opened doors for me.”

Dr. Bill Seymour, CSCC president, said, “We know that adult students are in great need of financial support to access education that will enhance their careers and livelihoods. This is why CSCC, along with the Cleveland State Foundation strategically reallocated its scholarship funding to provide even greater assistance to adult students – creating the Adult Promise."

Mr. Hagood recently changed his major to business through CSCC’s Advance program for
working adults. This is the college’s accelerated program that offers students a quick and
convenient way to obtain a college degree by attending class only one night a week. Students
complete the degree in a fast-paced format by working with the same group of students
throughout the program.

“At CSCC, there is a wide demographic,” said Mr. Hagood. “I’ve seen students of all ages—even people in their 40’s and 50’s going back to school. You don’t have to worry about there not being students in your age group because there are students in every age group.”

“I'm excited that Adult Promise gives our adult students an opportunity to go to school without worrying about where the money will come from or taking on any debt,” said Kim Wills, Financial Aid counselor. “Many of them have jobs, families, responsibilities -- making time for school is a big deal, so we're happy to work with the Cleveland State Foundation to provide the funds.”

Mr. Hagood continued, “I like that the classes at Cleveland State are accessible to you in different locations, like the Athens campus. I also like that they are setting up more programs and
services for working adults like the Advance program and the Adult Promise. They are also
helping people that are already in the workforce advance their careers by completing their education."

For those who qualify, the Adult Promise scholarship will fund the remainder of a student’s tuition bill after state and federal grants, employee assistance, outside scholarships and discounts are applied. Eligible applicants must be 19 or older; considered independent per federal aid guidelines; not eligible for Tennessee Promise; and not yet completed an associate’s degree.

Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.gov) and be in good
standing for academic and aid purposes. (Funds will be distributed as available.)

For more information on CSCC’s Adult Promise Scholarship or other scholarships, contact Wills at 423-472-7141, ext. 355 or visit the CSCC website at www.clevelandstatecc.edu.

Latest Headlines
Student Scene
GPS Seniors Inducted Into Cum Laude Society
GPS Seniors Inducted Into Cum Laude Society
  • 3/14/2024

As we near the end of the 2023-24 school year, we recognize and install our newest members into Cum Laude Society. Seventeen seniors, each of whom has flourished throughout her years at GPS, ... more

ACE Mentorship Program Of Greater Chattanooga Hosts Annual Awards Banquet
ACE Mentorship Program Of Greater Chattanooga Hosts Annual Awards Banquet
  • 3/13/2024

The ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentorship Program of Greater Chattanooga celebrated the creativity and dedication of high school students at its much-anticipated annual ... more

GNTC Names First Dual Enrollment Student Of The Year
GNTC Names First Dual Enrollment Student Of The Year
  • 3/13/2024

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has named Wyatt Key as its first Dual Enrollment Student of the Year. Key, who attends classes at GNTC while a student at Sonoraville High School, ... more