Scholarship for school during the recession

Gov. Gregoire attends announcement of new scholarship program for laid-off workersCity University now offering $10 million to help unemployed and community college students OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today joined City University President Lee Gorsuch as he announced the university’s $10 million “Scholarships for Tomorrow’s Careers” program to help 1,000 laid-off workers as well as community and technical college students who may be unable to transfer to a public four-year university. “These scholarships represent not just an opportunity for Washingtonians to earn undergraduate or graduate degrees, they also provide Washington employers with more men and women prepared for the 21st century economy once this recession ends,” Gregoire said. “Hundreds of these scholarships will be awarded to recently laid-off workers, giving them hope and purpose to improve their lives and the lives of their families.” “The best long-term strategy in the midst of this global economic recession is to make yourself more competitive by getting your education,” Gorsuch said. “City University of Seattle is in a unique position, as a private, not-for-profit university, to be able to help our neighbors by funding 1,000 scholarships for laid-off workers and community and technical college students who may otherwise be unable to go to school. As the economic crisis continues to unfold, it becomes more important than ever for all of us to identify where we can extend a hand to our community and make a difference.” To help community and technical students now struggling to afford or find a slot at a public four-year university, City University is offering 600 tuition scholarships worth $10,800 each. The university is working with community and technical college leaders to identify potentially eligible students who will graduate with an associate’s degree this academic year. In addition, the university is offering 400 scholarships worth $10,800 each to Washingtonians who recently lost their job and want to complete their bachelor or graduate degree. “The more education and training people have, the more likely they are to get a job and keep a job, and they will typically earn more money,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. “A college education truly enriches people’s lives.” Through the “Scholarships for Tomorrow’s Careers” program, students can afford tuition through a combination of the tuition scholarships, available student financial aid, federal Pell grants, and tax credits. The scholarships are discounts on tuition for two years. The program may be renewed next year following a financial and student need assessment next fall. For more information on City University, visit: http://www.cityu.edu/.