DALLAS, N.C. – Gaston College continues to work to expand access to high school graduates looking to attend college this Fall. Thanks to the recently announced extension of the NC Longleaf Commitment

Grant, a program that began during the pandemic to help make college more affordable for 2020 and 2021 graduates, 2022 graduates that enroll at the College full-time may also be eligible to receive grants ranging from $700-$2,800 per year. Combined with scholarships offered through the Gaston College Foundation, graduates could get an education at the College at little to no cost.

The Longleaf grant value is based on a student’s Expected Family Contribution as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, and can be applied to tuition and fees for up to two consecutive years at a community college in NC. To qualify for the grant, students must be a resident of NC and be enrolled in an eligible curriculum program at Gaston College for the start of the 2022-23 academic school year. Over $300,000 in Longleaf grant funds have been awarded so far to 343 graduates that enrolled at Gaston College since the program began.

Thanks to generous donors, Gaston College also has numerous scholarship opportunities available through the Gaston College Foundation. All prospective and current Gaston College students can apply now through April 30, for priority consideration. The Foundation expects $400,000 to be awarded through more than 100 scholarship funds this Fall. "We want to help students get the quality education they deserve,” said Gaston College Foundation Executive Director Luke Upchurch. “Gaston College is committed to breaking down barriers for our students so they can achieve their dreams.”

Lincoln and Gaston County graduates that have completed at least 15 credit hours through Gaston College’s College Now program can also take advantage of the GC Promise program, which covers for up to two years all in-state tuition and fees not covered by financial aid and scholarships. “Students should be able to focus on their education and training without worrying about excessive debt. We hope all these opportunities will ease that worry for our students,” said Gaston College President Dr. John Hauser.

Gaston College wants to show prospective students that applying for these opportunities is easy. Any 2022 high school graduate that is interested in learning more about these programs is invited to attend the College’s Virtual Senior Night on Tuesday, March 29, from 5:30 to7:30 p.m. To register to attend this free event visit gaston.edu/senior-night.

About Gaston College: Gaston College is one of 58 community colleges in the North Carolina Community College System and was recognized as the #1 Apprenticeship Partner and #1 Customized Industry Training Program in 2021. Serving both Gaston and Lincoln counties, Gaston College enrolls approximately 5,350 students each term in curriculum programs and averages over 12,400 annually in its Economic and Workforce Development and Continuing Education programs. Gaston College offers over 100 fields of study to obtain a degree, diploma, or certificate. To learn more about the College’s services and programs, visit the Gaston College website at gaston.edu or follow them on social media by visiting linktr.ee/gastoncollege.