Jump Start Scholarship program to help GED students

A new pilot program at College of DuPage will provide scholarships to eligible GED students that will help them begin their college education and improve their skills for employment.

The Jump Start Scholarship will award $500 to students who are residents of District 502, have successfully completed the GED preparation course at COD, and have received the GED credential during the past 12 months and within three months of completing the prep course. The scholarship will be available to students enrolling for the spring 2012 semester.

“We felt the announcement of the Jump Start scholarship was particularly appropriate for Labor Day weekend, since it will ultimately assist many residents with their long-term employment goals,” said Dr. Robert L. Breuder, president, College of DuPage. “It's an effective use of our institution's resources. These students are already motivated after completing the GED preparation course. This scholarship continues that motivation by demonstrating a college education is within their reach.

“This is one way that College of DuPage can help our residents improve their quality of life by increasing the skills they need to find employment or improve on their current job status.”

The scholarship can be used for 1100-level credit course tuition, fees, textbooks or educational supplies within 12 months of award notification. Earl Dowling, associate vice president of Enrollment Management, said the rewards go beyond the initial scholarship.

“These scholarships are intended to help residents jump-start their college careers and to leverage access to additional state and federal grants. By being enrolled in a credit program, these students then meet state eligibility for WorkNet and federal eligibility for the Pell Grant program,” Dowling said.

For more information, contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance by calling (630) 942-2251 or emailing financialaid@cod.edu.