By CAROL HEARD

Bainbridge State College Communications Specialist

Bainbridge State College will continue its open enrollment for Fall 2013 for all students until Tuesday, Aug. 20.

On Wednesday, Aug. 21, the fall semester at Bainbridge State will begin.

Taking effect this fall, students eligible for the HOPE grant have to maintain a 2.0 grade point average instead of the 3.0, which will allow more students to return or continue their education, said Dr. Rodney Carr, vice president for Student Affairs.

“The change in the GPA requirement gives Bainbridge State the opportunity to continue to serve our region and ensure a greater number of students have the financial assistance they need to complete their program of study,” Dr. Carr said.  “With the new HOPE grant threshold and our innovative pilot programs that enhance learning, we feel Bainbridge State College is a great gateway for improving lives in Southwest Georgia.”

In addition, thanks to the Georgia’s Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant Award, Bainbridge State students who are receiving the HOPE grant may also be eligible for additional financial assistance for commercial truck driving, early childhood care/education and practical nursing programs.

 

Beginning this fall, when they are qualifying for the HOPE grant, students can qualify at the same time for the Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant Award through the Technical College System of Georgia.

To qualify, a student in Bainbridge State’s School of Health Sciences and Professional Studies must be fully admitted to the college, enrolled in one of those three high-demand career programs and receiving the HOPE grant for the same term.

In reference to the new grants, Dr. Carr said, “The grant offers additional assistance for programs that have very high job placement rates. This is a tremendous opportunity for our students to gain additional financial aid to complete a program that leads to employment.”

The amount of the award is a fixed amount for each term of enrollment.

Students enrolled in the commercial truck driving program and taking nine hours or more are eligible to receive $1,000. Students in the early childhood care/education and practical nursing programs taking nine hours or more may receive $500. Students in these two programs, but taking eight hours or less, are eligible to receive $250.

New students should make an appointment with the Academic Success Center for advisement and registration. Returning students should schedule an appointment with their assigned adviser for advisement and registration.

For more information on the commercial truck driving, early childhood care/education and practical nursing programs, contact Bainbridge State’s School of Health Sciences and Professional Studies at (229) 248-2530. For more information on enrolling in these programs, contact the Student Services Call Center at 248-2504.

More information about Bainbridge State’s programs, admissions and financial aid are available on its website, http://www.bainbridge.edu/. Its catalog is online at http://bainbridge.cmsiq.com/2013-2014/Catalog.