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UNIVERSAL ACCESS

 

Since 2001, the Universal Access Endowment Scholarship has supported over 2,000 students.  These students were not eligible for federal or state funding– oftentimes because their income exceeded eligibility limits, yet they still needed financial assistance to complete their studies and graduate.   Galveston College Foundation has raised significant sums for the Universal Access Endowment and individual scholarships.  Thanks to consistent generosity from the Galveston community, area foundations, and businesses, the Universal Access Endowment has been able to upgraded tuition support over the years. 

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Another Key to Our Success: Universal Access Scholarship

 

Since 2001, the Universal Access Endowment Scholarship has supported over 2,000 students.  These students were not eligible for federal or state funding– oftentimes because their income exceeded eligibility limits, yet they still needed financial assistance to complete their studies and graduate.  Galveston College Foundation has raised significant sums for the Universal Access Endowment and individual scholarships.  Thanks to consistent generosity from the Galveston community, area foundations, and businesses, the Universal Access Endowment has been able to upgraded tuition support over the years. 

Beginning in the fall of 2022, the Galveston College Foundation Universal Access Endowment scholarship instituted a new lifetime limit of $6,264 for full-time and part-time students, which covers tuition and required fees for a 60-credit hour associate degree. All students must have a degree plan on file. Upon enrollment for the Universal Access award, a student’s allocation must be used within a five-year period. After completing the initial semester, UA becomes a performance-based scholarship. Students must receive a minimum GPA of 2.0 to continue accessing funds from the UA endowment.

In fall 2020, the Foundation directors increased and expanded use of the one-time UA+ award for non-tuition needs, e.g. books, online access codes, licensing fees, etc. to $35 per semester hour with a lifetime limit of $2,100 beginning spring 2021. The UA+ voucher may be used during any semester as long student remains in good academic standing. 

 

NEW FOR FALL 2023

 

The Galveston College Foundation Board, in collaboration with key contributors to the Universal Access Community Endowment Scholarship Fund, is expanding the UA program criteria for the next two academic years (2023-2024 and 2024-2025)

“The GC Foundation Board has approved expansions to the Universal Access program to include GC baccalaureate candidates, GC advanced certificate CT and MRI candidates, and graduates of Galveston College taxing district high schools who may live off-island, if they meet all the other requirements,” said GC Foundation Board Chair, Keith McFatridge. “In addition, the timeframe of having to apply to UA within 16 months of graduation has been waived during these two years, so if you have been out of school for a while and want to now come back to GC to pursue a degree, this is your opportunity.”

“The GC Foundation Board wants to support students in their pursuit of higher education, and we currently have the funds to expand,” he added. “We are thankful to major donors who have agreed to allow the Foundation to use their contributions for a few of these expansions that are outside the scope of the original Universal Access program. If we can continue to sustain fundraising efforts and these changes prove beneficial to students, we will consider making the changes long-term.”

Universal Access Scholarships are provided by the Galveston College Foundation to ensure every eligible high school graduate, or equivalent, who resides in the Galveston College taxing district, has the opportunity to attend college, receive an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or acquire technical training through a workforce development program and obtain a certificate.

Universal Access Scholarships are provided to ensure that every eligible high school graduate, or equivalent, who resides in the Galveston College taxing district, has the opportunity to attend college, receive an associate’s degree, or acquire technical training through a workforce development program and obtain a certificate.

In 1996, the Galveston College Foundation (GCF) was established as a community-based non-profit to provide families within the Galveston College taxing district the opportunity for a brighter future through higher education. Universal Access (UA) was established in 2001 in an effort to secure fully paid tuition for public and private local high school graduates who wished to attend Galveston College. The vision of Universal Access was achieved through development and growth of an endowment significant enough to guarantee each Galveston accredited high school (public or private), home-schooled, and GED graduate the financial aid necessary for up to two years of education and training. The founders of UA believed the investment that would pay the greatest dividends and make the biggest difference in the community is an investment in the higher education and training of its residents.

Guidelines for Universal Access has been updated and revised over the years to reflect changes in College policy, costs, available funds, and community needs. 

UA Plus is a multi-year non-tuition educational expenses scholarship (awarded on a semester by semester basis) to aid students during the tenure of their academic career to purchase books, related program equipment and tools including internet access codes, etc.   Students must initiate the UA Plus award voucher through the Financial Aid office and comply with the requirements as stated in the application.  

The increase in the lifetime award amount and funds for books, internet access codes, and digital equipment were put in place to facilitate retention and expedite completion and or graduation.