07/06/23
New scholarship pays half tuition for Chamber members, employees
Gadsden, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College and The Chamber of Gadsden and Etowah County gathered with Chamber members, college leadership and community supporters to announce a new partnership that includes free tuition.
“We are proud of the work we do with Gadsden State,” said Christi Robinson, CEO and president of The Chamber. “What Gadsden State is offering today will be a valuable benefit to Chamber members, and it can be used as a tool for recruiting employees.”
Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State, announced that members of The Chamber and their employees may be eligible for the Buy One Get One Free Scholarship that includes a free course for each paid course at Gadsden State during the Fall Semester, which starts Aug. 21. Registration is open now.
“Because we are a community college, community comes first,” she said. “This BOGO Scholarship will provide half of your courses to you with no tuition expense.”
Murphy said the BOGO Scholarship announcement coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Alabama Community College System.
“This is a part of the continued commitment that Gadsden State has made to support the vision of the ACCS, our state and our community,” she said.
Tony Smith, chairman of The Chamber Board of Directors, said he is grateful for the collaboration and positive working relationship between The Chamber and Gadsden State.
“This is an exciting time in Etowah County,” he said. “It’s important to have relationships like this because these relationships improve the quality of life and continue workforce development.”
In front of a packed boardroom at The Chamber, Smith and Murphy signed a Memorandum of Understanding detailing the BOGO Scholarship.
“This is a big deal for all of us,” Murphy said. “This is a big deal because the commitment Gadsden State is making is we’re giving you half of your education for free. We are meeting you halfway. We are giving you half of what you need to complete a credential at Gadsden State.”
MOU signings with neighboring Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce will take place at 8 a.m. July 14 with the signing with Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce following at 3 p.m. July 20.
BOGO Scholarship Details
- The scholarship covers tuition for one course for each paid course. Free and paid courses must be taken during the same semester.
- This scholarship can be used for programs leading to a certificate or an associate degree.
- Students enrolled under the BOGO Scholarship agreement may be enrolled part-time or full-time at Gadsden State.
- Books, fees or other costs associated with the free course are the responsibility of the employee.
- Employees must apply to Gadsden State and provide proof of employment with The Chamber or a company with Chamber membership. Proof must come from the company’s Human Resources Department or hiring manager.
- If the employee has previously attended any college, they must be in good academic standing.
- With plans to continue the program in Spring 2024, the employee must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to remain eligible for the BOGO Scholarship.
- If the employee receives any other form of institutional aid, the employee is not eligible for the BOGO Scholarship. It cannot be combined with institutional aid, tuition discounts or specialized package pricing due to other MOUs.
- Employees will not be eligible for the BOGO Scholarship in subsequent semesters if they become unemployed with The Chamber or a Chamber member.
Questions about the BOGO Scholarship? Email admissions@gadsdenstate.edu.
Tony Smith, chairman of The Chamber Board of Directors, signs the Memorandum of Understanding detailing the BOGO Scholarship as Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State, looks on.