Photo by Chris McCarthy/The Messenger: Members of The Chamber and employees at Gadsden State Community College gather in the conference room of The Chamber to witness the signing of a memorandum of understand detailing a BOGO scholarship with the two entities.
Gadsden State Community College and The Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County gathered with Chamber members, college leadership and community supporters on July 6 to announce a new partnership that includes free tuition.
“We are proud of the work we do with Gadsden State,” said Christi Robinson, CEO and president of The Chamber. “What Gadsden State is offering today will be a valuable benefit to Chamber members and can be used as a tool for recruiting employees.”
Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State, announced that members of The Chamber and their employees may be eligible for the Buy One Get One Free Scholarship that includes a free course for each paid course at Gadsden State during the fall semester, which starts August 21. Registration is now open.
“Because we are a community college, community comes first,” said Murphy. “This BOGO Scholarship will provide half of your courses to you with no tuition expense.”
Murphy noted that the BOGO Scholarship announcement coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Alabama Community College System.
“This is a part of the continued commitment that Gadsden State has made to support the vision of the ACCS, our state and our community.”
The Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Tony Smith said he is grateful for the collaboration and positive working relationship between The Chamber and Gadsden State.
“This is an exciting time in Etowah County,” he said. “It’s important to have relationships like this because these relationships improve the quality of life and continue workforce development.”
In front of a crowded boardroom at The Chamber, Smith and Murphy signed a Memorandum of Understanding detailing the BOGO Scholarship.
“This is a big deal because the commitment Gadsden State is making, because we’re giving you half of your education for free,” said Murphy. “We are meeting you halfway. We are giving you half of what you need to complete a credential at Gadsden State.”
Details of the BOGO Scholarship are as follows.
• The scholarship covers tuition for one course for each paid course. Free and paid courses must be taken during the same semester.
• This scholarship can be used for programs leading to a certificate or an associate degree.
• Students enrolled under the BOGO Scholarship agreement may be enrolled part-time or full-time at Gadsden State.
• Books, fees or other costs associated with the free course are the responsibility of the employee.
• Employees must apply to Gadsden State and provide proof of employment with The Chamber or a company with Chamber membership. Proof must come from the company’s Human Resources Department or hiring manager.
• If the employee has previously attended any college, they must be in good academic standing.
• With plans to continue the program in Spring 2024, the employee must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to remain eligible for the BOGO Scholarship.
• If the employee receives any other form of institutional aid, the employee is not eligible for the BOGO Scholarship. It cannot be combined with institutional aid, tuition discounts or specialized package pricing due to other MOUs.
• Employees will not be eligible for the BOGO Scholarship in subsequent semesters if they become unemployed with The Chamber or a Chamber member.
For more information, e-mail admissions@gadsdenstate.edu.