WILLISTON, N.D. -At a time when students can expect, on average, $35,000 in debt after four years in college, Williston State College's new Regional County Scholarship will provide two years of paid tuition and fees to the region's high school classes of 2016. Building on the success of the Williams County Graduate (WCG) Scholarship, the Williston State College (WSC) Foundation will extend scholarships to include the 2016 high school graduating classes in Burke, Divide, McKenzie, and Mountrail Counties.

"The WSC Foundation is extremely excited to include more of our regional students in this new scholarship," Terry Olson, Executive Director of the WSC Foundation, stated. "We have donors who wanted to help in the cost of school at WSC, and we are doing what those donors requested. The foundation is very fortunate to have such generous people."

Though similar to the WCG Scholarship, where any graduate of a Williams County high school can receive two years of free education from WSC, the new Regional County Scholarship is in no way affiliated with the Alva J. Field Trust. 

What impact will this scholarship have? As a result of the WCG Scholarship, first year, full-time, degree-seeking student retention increased 8.09% to 78.09% from fall 2015 to spring 2016, according to Dr. Nadolny, President of Williston State College. The Regional County Scholarship will expand on that success as more students in the region become eligible to attend WSC tuition free.

"Eighteen senior classes from eighteen high schools will benefit from both the Williams County Graduate and the Regional County Scholarships, spanning four semesters, with no tuition and fees," Dr. Nadolny explained. "I know of no similar opportunity in the nation."

Students must maintain the following minimum requirements to keep the Regional County Scholarship: full-time status for four consecutive semesters (excluding summers); a 2.0 term GPA; and enrollment in at least one on-campus course per semester.  

To apply, students must complete the Regional County Scholarship Application by April 1, 2016 and Application for Admission by May 1, 2016. Both applications will be available on the WSC website after February 23, 2016.

"This new scholarship is innovative and speaks highly of the work being done by Williston State College and the WSC Foundation to expand opportunities for students in the northwest region of the state," said NDUS Chancellor Mark Hagerott. "They will give more students in that area a chance at furthering their education through one of our fine community colleges."

For More Information Contact:
WSC's Enrollment Services at 701.774.4210 or via email at wsc.admission@willistonstate.edu or the WSC Foundation at 701.572.9275 or via email at office@wscfoundation.com

or visit willistonstate.edu/regionalcounty