Universal Access Scholarships

The Universal Access Community Endowment Scholarship is a nationally recognized program that the community of Galveston established to provide higher education and training opportunities for its citizens at Galveston College.

Since Fall 2001, Galveston College Foundation, an independent 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization through its Universal Access Community Endowment Scholarship program has ensured that every eligible graduate of a Galveston high school, home school program, and/or GED recipient has the opportunity to attend Galveston College to pursue a two-year associate degree, take university transfer classes and/or receive technical training through a workforce development program. An applicant must be a resident of the Galveston College taxing district, as determined by the Admissions Office, for a minimum of 12 months prior to graduation or GED completion, and continue to be a resident of the Galveston College taxing district while enrolled at Galveston College and receiving Universal Access funds.

A recipient must be a resident of the state of Texas and a United States citizen or an alien who has filed with the proper federal immigration authorities a declaration of intention to become a citizen (Texas Education Code 54.057) allowing these students to qualify for resident tuition rates. In fall 2018, the Galveston College Foundation Universal Access Community Endowment Scholarship’s (UA) life-time limit was raised to $4,620 for full-time and part-time students, which covers tuition and required fees for a 60-credit hour associate degree. All students must have a degree plan on file. Upon enrollment for the Universal Access award/scholarship, a student’s allocation must be used within a five-year period. Beginning in fall 2019, the Universal Access Community Endowment Plus (UA Plus) will be given to each eligible recipient for books, internet access codes, and digital equipment which are non-tuition educational expenses in pursuit of their associate degree, certification, or baccalaureate degree at Galveston College. In fall 2020, Universal Community Endowment Scholarship students may receive a total of $300.00 under UA Plus. Additional funds up to $450.00 may be available in spring 2021. UA Plus is a multi-year non-tuition educational expenses scholarship (awarded on a semester by semester basis) to aid students during the tenure of their studies at Galveston College. Students must initiate the UA Plus award voucher through the Financial Aid Office and comply with the requirements as stated in the application. Balance may be forwarded to future semesters. The Galveston College Foundation Board of Directors approved the increase for UA eligible students on April 30, 2020. Eligibility and participation guidelines for Galveston College Foundation’s Universal Access Community Endowment Scholarship are available on request from the Financial Aid Office and online at www.GC.EDU. For more information, contact the Galveston College Foundation at (409) 944-1303. To see other named and endowed scholarships available and complete an application go to http:// www.GC.EDU/gc/Scholarships1.asp. For financial aid assistance, contact the Financial Aid Office at (409) 944-1235 16