Cougar Cry
Page 4
TUITION-FREE ENROLLMENT
AVAILABLE AT WCC
By Sandy Sheets
Beginning fall, 1999, it is possible for most students to attend Wilkes Community College tuition-free. Both
the North Carolina House and Senate have approved a budget bill that designates $5 million for need-based
financial aid at North Carolina Community Colleges. The aid is designed to offset the tuition increase of $95
per semester for full-time North Carolina residents that is being implemented this fall semester. According to
those authoring the bill, it is the intent to ensure that all North Carolina residents (in need of assistance) can
attend a community college by accessing Pell Grants arid other federal aid, the new state grants, or federal
tax credits. ? j I ;
* r
To be considered for any type of tuition assistance, all studenb must complete the 1999-2000 Free Applica
tion for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and sliould do so as soon as possible. Those students who have al
ready applied for financial aid will automatically be considered for the new state grant and do not need to re
apply. Contact Alan Whittington, Director of Financial Aid, at 336-838-6144 or e-mail at whitting@wilkes.
cc.nc.us for an application or any assistance needed. • ^
In announcing budget approval for this new state grant. North Carolina Community College System presi
dent H. Martin Lancaster said, “Thanks to this bold leadership, more North Carolinians will have the chance
to come to community colleges for the high-tech training and education they need to compete for good jobs
in the future. The $5 million for a new financial aid initiative will make a community college education tui
tion-free for most students when combined with the benefits of federal Pell Grants and the Hope Scholarship/
Lifetime Learning Tax Credits.” '
Although the new state grant funds tuition only, students qualifying for other student financial aid could re
ceive help with fees, books, supplies, transportation and other college related costs.
WE WANT YOU
FOR THE
COUGAR CRY
NEWSPAPER STAFF
flimtbPIIII
First Annual USAC Competition
Saturday, September 25, Stereo Show for Non-USAC
members, with a cash award and trophy to the car
that hits the hardest!!
Sunday, September 26, Stereo Show for USAC Members;
everyone is welcome to come but only USAC
members will be able to compete.
For More Information
Give them a visit at
198 Main Street
N. Wilkesboro, NC
OR
Give them a call at
838-0901
1-888-280-4544
OR
Visit them on the web
http://www.audiophiles-online.coni