New funding allows Tazewell County high school seniors to attend Southwest Virginia Community College for free.

A partnership between Mrs. Priscilla McCall, trustee of the estate of Sam G. McCall Jr., and the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors is bringing free tuition to high school seniors of Tazewell County beginning this fall. All 2019 [and after] Tazewell County high school graduates with at least a 2.0 GPA are eligible to receive last-dollar funding to attend Southwest Virginia Community College. Students graduating from private schools, home schools, or receiving their GED are also eligible. The scholarship is intended to cover any tuition and fees that are remaining after federal funding or other financial aid. Students will need to enroll in at least six credit hours each semester and are encouraged to take 12 or more hours. Participation in the College’s “Eagle Project” Days of Service will also be required. While the cost of books is not included, many students qualify for scholarships that can cover this cost.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Tommy Wright, President of Southwest Virginia Community College stated that “community colleges have never been more relevant than they are today. The average incoming salary of someone with a two-year degree is higher than those with other credentials or no degree at all. The opportunity for graduates to obtain new jobs or level up to a higher position with their current employer, which increases their pay and disposable income, is a game-changer for many families and the local economy.”

“Providing this opportunity to students who would otherwise be unable to achieve their goal of attaining a degree is truly a remarkable gift that has lasting effects on both the students and our communities and we are grateful for the McCall Family and Tazewell County for their commitment to this initiative,” Susan Lowe, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Southwest Virginia Community College, commented.

For more details about this program or to register to attend Southwest Virginia Community College, please visit sw.edu or call 276-964-7724.