Williams County Graduate Scholarship Extended for Several Years | Williston State College

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Williams County Graduate Scholarship Extended for Several Years

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Williams County Graduate Scholarship Extended for Several Years

Posted: Oct 03 2016

WILLISTON, N.D. - In May, the Alva J. Field Trust committed an additional donation of $800,000 to continue its funding of the Williams County Graduate (WCG) Scholarship.

Graduates of a Williams County high school, regardless of the year, are eligible for free tuition and fees thanks to a partnership between the Alva J. Field Trust, WSC Foundation, and the ND Higher Education Challenge Fund created in 2015.

"For the Trust to donate this additional amount shows a real commitment to this idea over the course of the next several years," explained Terry Olson Executive Director WSC Foundation. "They like what they have seen so far and have been so positive about the entire program. This donation is fantastic because it also has been matched by the North Dakota Challenge Fund for an additional $400,000."

In the first year of the WCG Scholarship, 344 students were awarded scholarships. These students composed 33% of WSC's total record breaking enrollment. In the scholarship's second year, a total of $800,659 was awarded to 428 Regional and WCG Scholarship recipients. These 428 students have contributed to WSC's second consecutive record-breaking enrollment for Fall 2015 and 2016 semesters.

"The gracious support of the Alva J. Field trust and the addition of $800,000 to funds already pledged for scholarships available to students from Williams County is truly transformative for students attending Williston State College," stated Dr. John Miller, Acting President of WSC. "For Williams County students, the Alva J. Field Trust provides them with financial support to pursue a college education at a time when students all across the nation see their dream of a college education prevented by the high cost to attend college."

To apply, students must complete an Application for Admission and Application Fee by May 1, 2017. FAFSA forms must be completed and handed in before August 21, 2017. An Alva J. Field Trust Application and Williams County Graduate Scholarship Application are no longer needed to apply.

Students must maintain the following minimum requirements to keep the Williams County Graduate Scholarship: full-time status (12-16 credits); enrolled for up to four consecutive semesters (Fall 2017 to Spring 2019), excluding summer; a 2.0 term GPA; and enrollment in at least one on-campus course per semester. 

"Working with the Alva J. Field trustees has been wonderful," said Olson. "To see an idea grown into a means to provide free tuition and fees to this many Williams County graduates already has blown us away. It's a great partnership and a fun experience."

The Williams County Graduate Scholarship will continue at WSC as long as funding and donations are available. The WSC Foundation encourages anyone interested in donating to please contact the WSC Foundation at 701.572.9275.

For other information regarding Williston State, visit www.willistonstate.edu, call 1.888.863.9455, or stop by 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND.

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