Brunswick Community College
PAE-10: Affordability and Access Programs

Brunswick Community College does not participate in TRIO programs - http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html [according to Paula Almond, Financial Aid Office, 1/24/12]

The primary purpose of the financial aid program at Brunswick Community College is to provide assistance to students who, without aid, would be unable to begin or continue their college education. Types of financial aid include grants, scholarships, and on-campus work-study jobs. Grants, like scholarships, in most cases are awards, which do not have to be repaid. Student work-study employees receive an hourly wage. To be eligible for financial assistance, entering students must meet all admissions requirements. Returning students must be in good academic standing and must not exceed the maximum enrollment time frame for graduation from their program of study.

The Brunswick Community College Foundation, organized in 1982, is a charitable organization 501(c)(3) instituted to enhance the mission of Brunswick Community College to a level of excellence and purpose for students and the community. The Foundation is a vital resource for the acceptance and solicitation of all gifts for the support of education and the continued growth and progress of Brunswick Community College. The Foundation enables the college to meet a number of diverse needs that could not be achieved solely with state funding. The primary focus is to provide scholarship support. The Foundation, through the approval of the Board, may also grant funds for faculty members in the field of professional development or sponsor a variety of lecture programs and cultural events. Through advocacy, influence and financial support these leaders ensure the commitment to the community college philosophy. They support the mission and enhance the goals and lives of the students. The Foundation is governed by more than 20 boardmembers and volunteer directors as well as honorary, ex-officio directors. The college president and other key administrators also serve. Because of the Foundation’s structure, friends and alumni are also involved in fundraising initiatives and asset management programs. In addition, the annual Spring Campus Fund Drive, which includes faculty and staff donations, proudly boasted more than 98% participation in 2010. It is a true reflection of the students' importance and educational experience at Brunswick Community College. Susan Lawing, Major Gifts Officer for the Foundation

COUNSELING SERVICES - Counseling services are provided by trained personnel. These services are available to students from pre admission through graduation. Counselors can assist students with personal concerns, educational planning, problem solving, goal setting, study habits, career, transfer to another college or university, and general information. Brunswick Community College's Five Star Early Childhood Education Center is located on the Main Campus of BCC and is available to serve all Brunswick County and surrounding area residents, as well as, students in their daycare needs. Fully licensed through the State of North Carolina, we serve children 6 weeks - 5 years of age. The BCC Early Childhood Education Center is a lab preschool for the Early Childhood Education Department at Brunswick Community College. With this opportunity comes the benefit of having students participate in and observe classroom settings. This offers a hands on approach to learning and is a tremendous teaching tool for the entire college. Angie Jahr, Director.

North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship - The Education Lottery Scholarship program was created by the 2005 General Assembly to provide financial assistance to needy North Carolina resident students attending eligible colleges and universities located with the State of North Carolina. This is a need based grant and student must be enrolled at least half-time. Student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered. Student scholarships are established through donations to the Brunswick Community College Foundation. Criteria for scholarships are specified by the donor in collaboration with Foundation staff, ensuring the most efficient use of the donation while helping as many students as possible. Contact Student Services, located in Building A, for a Universal Scholarship application.

[Parents of Low-Income Student] applicants must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.edu.gov, designating Brunswick Community College as a recipient of the needs analysis. BCC’s Title IV school code number is 015285. (The forms should be completed as soon after January 1 as possible.) Students who wish to apply for scholarships must do so on the Universal Scholarship form available through the Financial Aid Office. Students needing financial assistance should contact their high school guidance counselor or the Brunswick Community College Financial Aid Office for information and applications.

TAX PAYER RELIEF ACT OF 1997 - Effective January 1, 1998, taxpayers may be eligible to claim a non-refundable Hope Scholarship Credit against their federal income taxes. The Hope Scholarship credit may be claimed for qualified tuition and related expenses for each student in a taxpayer’s family who is enrolled at least half-time in one of the first two years of post-secondary education. The student must be enrolled in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized educational credential. Additional information can be provided by your tax advisor or the Internal Revenue Service. The Lifelong Learning Credit may be available for those who have completed the first two years of college or are taking classes part-time to improve or upgrade their job skills. The credit is available for net tuition and fees (less grant aid) paid for post-secondary enrollment after June 30, 1998. Additional information on the Lifelong Learning Credit can be provided by your tax advisor or the Internal Revenue Service.

Child Care Assistance Project - The primary purpose of the Child Care Assistance Project at Brunswick Community College is to provide financial assistance to students who, without aid, would be unable to begin or continue their college education or job skills training. Child Care Assistance Awards do not require repayment. Awards are based on identified financial need; therefore, the student must qualify for financial aid. The student must also be enrolled in a curriculum that qualifies for Federal Financial Aid and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. If accepted for participation in the project, the student will select a child care provider of his/her choice. For additional information, contact the Child Care Coordinator at 1-800-754-1050, extension 7338. STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - The College recognizes its responsibility, under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, to provide equal access to students with special needs.

GRANTS - Federal Pell Grant - This program is federally funded, and awards are based on need. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted online at www.fafsa.gov to the U.S. Department of Education before one is considered for the Pell Grant. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Supplemental Grants are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Federal Pell Grant recipients receive priority for FSEOG awards. Student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered. Federal Work Study - Work-study awards provide part-time employment opportunities for eligible students to earn money to meet college expenses. Student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered. North Carolina Student Incentive Grant Program (NCSIG) - To receive this grant, a student must be a North Carolina resident and demonstrate “substantial financial need.” Recipients cannot have a baccalaureate degree and must be enrolled full-time at an approved North Carolina institution such as Brunswick Community College. Application is made directly on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The statw deadline for applying is March 15 of each year. However, funds are typically exhausted by the end of February. North Carolina Community College Grant - This is a need based grant to help meet the educational costs of North Carolina residents attending a community college. The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and list a North Carolina community college as one of the top three choices of institutions.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) - The Workforce Investment Act is a federal workforce development program, which provides training, education and employment services using a one-stop delivery system. In Brunswick County, these services are provided by the JobLink Career Center, which is located at the Employment Security Commission Office in Shallotte. Call 910-754-JOBS (5627) for more information. Department of Veterans Affairs - Funds may be available to those who have served in the armed forces as well as to dependents of deceased veterans or disabled veterans with a service-connected disability. For information, contact the Coordinator of Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs. Vocational Rehabilitation - Students with physical disabilities may obtain grants-in-aid covering fees, books, and supplies through the Vocational Rehabilitation Services. (See State of NC Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in the telephone book.) Referral to NC Reach for foster children to receive financial aid.