WOKV: "FSCJ Promise" to make a degree debt-free

WOKV

http://www.wokv.com/news/news/local/fscj-promise-make-degree-debt-free/ntrDG/

Around 1,000 students expected to take part starting this fall

It's designed to help new college students get a degree without getting in debt.

Florida State College at Jacksonville unveils a new program today called "FSCJ Promise", the first of its kind in the state of Florida for a community college.

Speaking on Jacksonville's Morning News, FSCJ President Dr. Cynthia Bioteau says it will help cover the actual cost of attendance for eligible students.

"I don't want any student who graduated from a Duval County public school or a Nassau County public school to say I can't go to college because I don't have the money," Bioteau added. "This takes away that entire barrier."

The school is expecting around 1,000 students to take advantage when the program starts this August. 

Full-time students who are eligible for federal Pell grants would be able to take advantage of this program. FSCJ is also requiring students to complete 60 hours of community service and be on a career pathway.

Should those students get a Pell grant, FSCJ will kick in money to cover the other costs related to tuition and books, including any fees.

Those who have received GED's in the past three years could be eligible for the FSCJ promise. That same timeline also applies to high school graduates.

Dr. Bioteau noted that the funding for this program is coming from money found during an efficiency reassessment of FSCJ's finances over the past two years. That included the school's foundation and how scholarships are funded as well as paid internships with employers and work study programs.

"It's really about aligning financial resources for those who need it most," Bioteau noted. "I will tell you, I am extremely excited."

Funding this program long-term is one of the goals of a $50 million capital fundraising campaign currently underway at FSCJ, per Bioteau.