What is the Access Amazing Scholarship?
Beginning fall semester of 2023, Access Amazing makes college free for most recent (2022 and 2023) high school graduates in Guilford County.
The Access Amazing Scholarship is designed to remove cost as a barrier for students graduating from a Guilford County high school and provide access to quality higher education for students to pursue their educational and career goals.
The scholarship is a "last dollar" scholarship* that pays the remaining balance of student in-state tuition, college fees, and course fees once all other federal and state grants, scholarships, and sponsorships are applied.
* Books, digital materials, and instructional supplies are not included. Funding for the Access Amazing Scholarship is contingent on fund availability.
Eligibility
- The Access Amazing Scholarship is available to 2022 and 2023 graduates from any Guilford County high school (public, private, or registered home-school equivalent); and high school equivalency graduates (HSE/GED) graduates who took courses at GTCC.
- The Access Amazing Scholarship covers full-time students (up to 16 credit hours per semester) and part-time students for two years of continuous enrollment, fall and spring semesters only.
- Summer semesters are not included in scholarship funding and are not required for continuous enrollment, except for specific programs that require summer enrollment.
Students Must:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Complete the GTCC scholarship application.
- Attend an Access Amazing Scholar Program orientation in the fall to learn about the program expectations and opportunities, access to support services, and engaging in campus life.
Note: Eligibility criteria may be changed without notice for each academic year.
Maintaining Eligibility
Students must:
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as established by state and federal government financial aid programs. This includes:
- A 2.0 cumulative GPA
- At least a 67% cumulative pass rate
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each financial aid year.
- Complete the GTCC scholarship application each year.
- Maintain continuous enrollment as defined in the eligibility criteria.
- Students who withdraw from all classes during the fall or spring semester do not meet the requirement for continuous enrollment.
Note: Scholarship requirements may be changed without notice for each academic year.
How to Apply
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for GTCC scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Access Amazing makes college free for most recent (2022 and 2023) high school graduates in Guilford County.
The Access Amazing Scholarship is designed to remove cost as a barrier for students graduating from a Guilford County high school and provide access to quality higher education for students to pursue their educational and career goals.
The scholarship is a "last dollar" scholarship* that pays the remaining balance of student in-state tuition, college fees, and course fees once all other federal and state grants, scholarships, and sponsorships are applied.
* Books and instructional supplies are not included. Funding for the Access Amazing Scholarship is contingent on fund availability.
At GTCC we recognize the value of higher education and technical education as a gateway to better life outcomes for individuals and as an economic driver for Guilford County. As the Triad region grows and attracts new businesses, GTCC is committed to continue training individuals to meet the workforce needs of our community.
Over the course of this pilot program, the Access Amazing Scholarship could assist thousands of high school graduates in Guilford County.
All 2022 and 2023 high school graduates from any Guilford County high school (public, private, or registered home-school equivalent), and high school equivalency graduates (HSE/GED) graduates who took courses at GTCC.
Most recent high school graduates will be able to attend GTCC for free or minimal costs for two years. By removing cost as an obstacle, students will be able to access quality education, programs, and career training to help jumpstart their educational journey or career path. Access Amazing will also help reduce the number of students who need to borrow money to attend GTCC.
It's simple:
- Apply to GTCC.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Complete GTCC's scholarship application.
Recipients will receive an award letter from GTCC within three weeks of fully completing a FAFSA application.
The priority deadline for applications is July 15, but applications will be accepted until the fall semester begins pending funding availability.
Because Access Amazing is a “last dollar” scholarship, once a student applies to GTCC, completes a FAFSA and GTCC scholarship application, the Financial Aid team will review all funding options and apply them towards a student’s tuition and fees.
GTCC and the GTCC Foundation are investing $3.2 million to support this program for up to five graduating high school classes in Guilford County.
The Access Amazing Scholarship will be available annually for high school graduates of 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. Students must enroll for classes in August after the year they graduate.