WVC Foundation approves scholarship funding for 2014-15

Media Contact: Stacey Lockhart, WVC Foundation executive director, 509.682.6415, or Kevin Berg, associate dean of student development and financial aid director, 509.682.6815, or Jennifer Korfiatis, interim community relations director, 509.682.6436

For those seeking financial assistance in order to attend Wenatchee Valley College in 2014-15, the WVC Foundation will provide $170,745 in scholarships and awards for the upcoming school year. Scholarships range from $1,000 each to full tuition.

The WVC Foundation provides scholarships for nursing, allied health, industrial technology, education, business, and automotive technology, horticulture and tree fruit, music and many other program concentrations as well as scholarships based solely on financial need and the desire to attain a college education. The Foundation also helps to administer several scholarships from outside funders. A complete list of scholarships is available on the WVC Financial Aid website, www.wvc.edu/financialaid.

Kevin Berg, associate dean of student development and financial aid director, said that student need is increasing as costs increase and funding is lessened. In addition, there has been an increase in students borrowing money.

Approximately 70% of WVC students receive financial aid of some kind. More than 3,019 students received financial aid or other assistance to attend WVC in 2012-13. On the Wenatchee and Omak campuses, 74 students were awarded more than $148,000 in scholarships. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2011, at the state level, 74% of students in public two-year institutions received aid. The NCES report also indicates that public two-year institutions showed the largest percentage increase in first-time, full-time students receiving aid, from 61% to 74%.

"As the financial need of our students rise, it is vital that the WVC Foundation continue to encourage alumni and public support for scholarships at WVC in order to keep higher education an option for those in North Central Washington," said Stacey Lockhart, WVC Foundation executive director.

Students must complete and submit a general WVC scholarship application to the WVC Financial Aid office by Jan. 31. The application is available through the financial aid office in Wenatchi Hall and on its website, or through local high school counselors.

The 2014-15 scholarship funding was unanimously approved at the Dec. 16 WVC Foundation board meeting.

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The WVC Foundation was incorporated in 1971. It exists to build relationships between the community and the college and raise financial support for Wenatchee Valley College students, programs, faculty and staff, as well as special projects such as building campaigns like the Music and Art Center. For information on how to make a gift to the foundation, establish a scholarship or include the WVC Foundation in your estate plans, contact Stacey Lockhart, executive director at 509.682.6410 or slockhart@wvc.edu