OPPORTUNITY EQUALS ACCESS

As Carroll strives to provide access to all students who seek an education, the Opportunity Scholarship has emerged as an important tool.

President Cindy Gnadinger introduced the scholarship in the 2018-19 academic year. At the time, it was a need-based scholarship, designed to bridge the financial gaps that kept college out of reach for some students from underrepresented communities.

“Its purpose has always been the same,” said Dawn Scott, vice president of enrollment, “to serve underrepresented students. The goal now is to make a real impact on making college affordable for those students, up to covering their full tuition.”

The program’s expansion has been aided by generous donations to the Opportunity Scholarship Fund. Accepted students who wish to number of students applying for the scholarship has increased significantly. As of late February, more than 100 applications had been received.

“We’re looking at any category of underrepresentation for this program,” she said, “and a lot of the recipients are coming tuition free –everything is funded by scholarships and grants.”

Scholarship recipients are also eligible to apply to the Inspire Program, which combines a second, smaller scholarship with additional specialized student support services to help these students successfully navigate the college experience.

Learn More. https://www.carrollu.edu/givingback/areas-of-need/opportunity-