Residents of Navajo and Apache counties are taking advantage of opportunities that will provide higher education to both high school and adult learners, according to information provided to members of the Navajo County Community College Governing Board June 20.
Northland Pioneer College Vice President of Learning and Student Services Mark Vest provided the information that showed how many students have taken advantage of the College Bound and Finish Line scholarships provided through NPC since 2014.
The College Bound Scholarship is available to high school students who would like to take NPC core curriculum courses offered outside of the dual enrollment courses at their high schools. The Finish Line scholarship pays for the last 12 credits needed for eligible students to finish their chosen degree program.
The College Bound scholarship data showed that in the 2014-15 academic year, 173 awards totaling $40,681 were given; 2015-16, 268 awards totaling $62,520; and in 2016-17, 314 awards totaling $64,969. Vest noted that while the number of awards increased, the dollar amount did not increase equally, as many students decided to use the award during the summer session when tuition is half the cost of the fall and spring sessions.
The Finish Line scholarship data showed that in the 2014-15 academic year, 139 awards totaling $82,305 were given; 2015-16, 117 awards totaling $66,232; and 2016-17, 141 awards totaling $63,210.
Vest said the scholarships provided a much needed solution for residents seeking to improve their lives. “While Arizona may be touting itself as in economic recovery statewide, this area is still recovering, especially in remote rural areas, and there still is a great demand for scholarships programs like this both for adults and high school students,” he concluded.
