Longleaf Commitment Grants to Eligible 2021 NC High School Graduates at WPCC
May 28, 2021 — On May 24, 2021 Governor Cooper announced the Longleaf Commitment program, a $31.5 million investment to guarantee that graduating high school seniors from low- and middle-income families receive at least $2,800 in federal and state grants to cover tuition and fees at any of the state’s fifty-eight community colleges. The Commitment program will supplement the federal Pell grant and existing aid by providing an additional $700 to $2,800 grant per year for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years for students to earn an associate degree and/or credits to transfer to a four-year college or university in North Carolina.
“Providing financial support to students who would otherwise not be able to further their education is a great opportunity for WPCC to serve our community,” said Joel Welch, WPCC president. “We know that financial barriers prevent many prospective students from pursuing post-secondary education.”
To be eligible for the grant program, students must be a graduate from a North Carolina high school in 2021; be a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes; be a first-time college student (former Career & College Promise (CCP) and Early/Middle College High School graduates are eligible); enroll in a curriculum program during the 2021-22 academic year; enroll in at least 6 credit hours per semester; complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2021-2022; have an expected family contribution (EFC) from $0 – $15,000 (“EFC” is based upon a student’s FAFSA determination); renew FAFSA for the 2022-23 academic year and meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements of the college.
To apply for the grant program students should complete WPCC’s application for admission and the 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available on our New Students page. WPCC’s Student Services team is available to assist students with these processes and can be reached at (828) 448-6046.
“The purpose of WPCC’s Financial Aid Office is to provide financial aid assistance and eligibility awareness to current and prospective students as they pursue their educational goals, which allows students to focus on academic success by removing financial barriers,” said Dori Barron, WPCC Financial Aid Director. “We are excited about the Longleaf Commitment grant program and the resources it will provide to our students.”
Prospective students should begin the WPCC Admissions process and complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA now to enroll for fall semester.