Access and Diversity Scholarship

The Access and Diversity Scholarship is designed to promote diversity, enhance inclusiveness and strengthen the presence of underrepresented groups on campuses. A limited number of scholarships will be awarded to those individuals who meet the criteria.

Students must meet all of the following criteria:

• Tennessee resident
• Be admitted to the college
• Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Meet with Coordinator of Diversity Services or Assistant to the President for Diversity
• Complete an Access and Diversity Scholarship application (Deadline for Fall enrollment is June 15 and for Spring enrollment is October 1.)

Students must meet one of the following criteria (preference given to students who meet more than one):

• First generation college student
• Member of an underrepresented population (African American, Native American, Hispanic/Latino or Asian)
• Non-traditional student (age 25 or older)
• Documented disability
• Documented financial need Geographically disadvantaged

The award amount is based on the number of applications received and recommendations from the offices of Student Support Services and Financial Aid. The amount of the Access and Diversity Scholarship awards will be based on available funding and the number of eligible recipients. It may cover up to the cost of in-state tuition and fees for students enrolled for 12 or more semester hours, and may be prorated for less than 12 hours of enrollment.

Grant recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards as outlined by Walters State Community College:

• Enrolled for 12 or more hours Satisfactorily complete 9 hours
• Enrolled for 9 to 11 hours Satisfactorily complete 6 hours
• Enrolled for 6 to 8 hours Satisfactorily complete 3 hours
• Enrolled for less than 6 hours Satisfactorily complete the hours attempted