Gadsden State/McClellan Campus Nursing Award

Tribute: The Community Foundation of Calhoun County established this scholarship to promote and celebrate the nursing profession. The Community Foundation was created in 1999 to serve broad-based charitable needs in Calhoun County and northeast Alabama. The largest assets of the Community Foundation are from a number of donors who have designated healthcare as the primary purpose of their gifts. Because of their generosity and commitment to better our community this scholarship is possible.

Awards: The award(s) will provide funding for a LPN nursing scholarship(s) (based on need) to full or part-time student enrolled at Gadsden State/McClellan Campus. The award can only be used for tuition and related expenses as defined by the Internal Revenue Service: "tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of a student(s) at an education organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) and fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational organization."

Essay: An essay is required with the application. The student is asked to describe his or her personal aspirations and contributions to the nursing profession. This composition should be typed and be no longer than three double-spaced pages. The applicant should conclude the statement with the main reason why the college should award the applicant a scholarship.

Eligibility: Graduates of any accredited public or private high school within Calhoun County currently attending Gadsden State/McClellan Campus and enrolled in the LPN Nursing Program are eligible to apply for the award without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. Priority will be given to candidates with strong moral character, discernable academic ability, recognized school and community service, and documented financial need.

Review Process: Students will submit application packets directly to the Community Foundation by February 1. Scholarship candidates shall be selected by the Community Foundation's Scholarship Committee solely appointed by the Foundation's Board of Trustees. The committee may include one (1) advisor from Gadsden State Community College/McClellan Campus Nursing Department from among the following representatives: (i) Dean of Nursing, (ii) Scholarship Coordinator, or (iii) Nursing Instructor. If one of these individuals is not available or cannot serve, then the Foundation's Scholarship Committee shall continue to carry out the charitable purposes of the Fund as described in the Fund Agreement. The committee will submit their recommendations to the Foundation's Board of Trustees for their final approval."

Payment of Awards: Payment is made to the student(s) account for tuition expenses at the beginning of the academic quarter or semester. Distributions will not be made until the Foundation receives the (i) signed letter of acceptance provided by the Foundation, (ii) certified proof of enrollment from the institution and (iii) confirmation that the recipient is enrolled in the
nursing program. Checks are made directly to the financial administration office at Gadsden State/McClellan Campus. No distribution will be made to any individual for any reason.

Students must notify the Community Foundation's Scholarship Committee of any additional educational or financial aid grants or awards immediately upon notification. Failure to do so may result in the termination of the Gadsden State Community College/McClellan Campus Scholarship.

Responsibility of Recipient: Each scholarship recipient is responsible for fulfilling requirements for admission to the college or institution of higher learning. The scholarship recipient must enroll no later than the winter term following their selection; otherwise they forfeit the award. No award shall be carried over beyond twelve months from the date of acceptance. Recipients not completing the full academic term due to transfer, or separation from the nursing program will no longer be eligible for the Gertie S. Lowe Scholarship. Any unused monies will be credited back to the Gadsden State Community College/McClellan Campus Scholarship Fund for distribution to another candidate.

The Foundation's Board of Trustees, Staff and Scholarship Committee members, including their spouses, children, adopted children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, are prohibited from applying or receiving any scholarship, grant or financial award from the Foundation

Students must notify the Financial Aid Office of any additional educational or financial aid grants or awards immediately upon notification. Failure to do so may result in the termination of the Gadsden State/ McClellan Campus Nursing Scholarship.

Responsibility of Recipient: Each scholarship recipient is responsible for fulfilling requirements for admission to the college or institution of higher learning. The scholarship recipient must enroll no later than the winter term following their selection; otherwise they forfeit the award. No award shall be carried over beyond twelve months from the date of acceptance. Recipients not completing the full academic term due to transfer, or separation from the nursing program will no longer be eligible for the Nursing Scholarship. Any unused monies will be credited back to the Scholarship Fund for distribution to another candidate.

No obligation or liability of any kind will be imposed upon a scholarship recipient; nor will any obligation or liability be assumed by Gadsden State/McClellan Campus or the Community Foundation, except as expressly stated in this document.

The Community Foundation will not (i) accept applications that are presented after the due date; (ii) contact students to locate missing documents such as letters of recommendation (iii) contact students to return the Letter of Acceptance form and (iv) contact students to provide proof of enrollment in order to receive payment.

Program Continuation: The Community Foundation of Calhoun County retains the right to alter the guidelines or to discontinue the Gadsden State/McClellan Campus Nursing Scholarship Fund should there be a lack of financial resources to maintain the fund.

Revised January 11, 2007