The CGCC Foundation awards scholarships based on financial need and the promise each student shows which is demonstrated by answers to three narrative questions. Financial need is defined as lacking sufficient funds to pay for education. The promise a student shows is defined as the circumstances a person has faced and/or accomplishments they have made, combined with their sense of direction and educational goals.

• Each student completes a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or ORSAA (Oregon Student Aid Application)
• Financial need is also determined through one of the questions answered in the application process, since the FAFSA/ORSAA formula does not capture individual life circumstance. This is also an opportunity for the applicant to display the promise that they show as a student.

Narrative questions:

1. Financial and Life Circumstances: COCC Foundation scholarships are based on financial need. Please explain any circumstances or challenges you are facing that may make continuing your education difficult without additional financial assistance.

2. Education and Career Goals: Describe education and career goals that you have established for yourself and your efforts to accomplish them. Give an example demonstrating your commitment to these goals.

3. Personal Accomplishment(s): Describe the personal accomplishment(s) of which you are most proud. This could include leadership roles, community/family involvement, or professional/educational contributions. Describe how the experience(s) has shaped you.

Each narrative is read four times by volunteer reviewers, who score each question on a one to four scale. The volunteers only read and score the narrative questions. Therefore, the reviewer does not see the applicants name, age, gender, race, etc. You can view the scoring rubric for the narrative questions here.

The award process then gives a point value to the FAFSA/ORSAA score and also a point value to the narratives. Scholarships are awarded to students with the greatest combined score as determined by their FAFSA/ORSAA and their narratives. Priority will be given to in-district students based on COCC’s residency policy.

Steps:

1. Visit the CGCC Website by clicking here cgcc.edu/scholarships.
   • For the month of February, you can apply for a full year scholarship. The award is $2,500 disbursed over Fall, Winter, and Spring terms.
   • For the month of October, you can apply for a half-year scholarship. The award is $1,700 disbursed over Winter and Spring term.

2. Once you have clicked on the Foundation Scholarship Application link

• • Begin filling out your application
  • Several sections/tabs make up the entire application. Complete all of them in order to submit your application.
  • Agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

3. Prepare your three short narrative questions

• • Review the Narrative Questions & Scoring Rubric.
  • Spend time on crafting thoughtful narrative responses. Be sure to use your resources!
    • For example have a trusted family/friend/teacher proofread, use spell check, search the internet for scholarship essay tips etc.

4. Submit your application

• • Application button in the lower right corner. Click it to submit your application.
  • After completing and submitting the application

5. Submit a FAFSA or ORSAA

• • You must submit either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) to be considered for a CGCC Foundation scholarship.
  • Use this quick tool to determine if you should submit a FAFSA or ORSAA
  • When applying for either FAFSA or ORSAA, be sure to list Columbia Gorge Community College.

You will be notified in April (Full-Year Cycle applicants) or December (Half-Year Cycle applicants) of awarding decisions. If you need any assistance and/or accommodation, please contact the Foundation at 541.506-6104 or email foundation@cgcc.edu.

If you are selected for a scholarship, you must agree to the following:

• Enroll in at least 6 credits per term
• Must write a thank you letter to the foundation of your
• Must volunteer at one CGCC Foundation event throughout the academic year
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Have a FAFSA or ORSAA on file with CGCC each year
• Check your CGCC email account on a regular basis for information from the College and the Foundation
• If you become dual-enrolled at any other institution, this scholarship is void. CGCC must remain your ‘home school’ for financial aid purposes.

Congratulations on being selected to receive a COCC Foundation scholarship! Below is information about your scholarship.

What are the Foundation Scholarship Acceptance requirements?

• Enrolled in at least 6 credits per term
• Must write a thank you letter to the foundation of your scholarship
• Must volunteer at one CGCC Foundation event throughout the academic year
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Have a FAFSA or ORSAA on file with CGCC each year
• Check your CGCC email account on a regular basis for information from the College and the Foundation
• If you become dual-enrolled at any other institution, this scholarship is void. CGCC must remain your ‘home school’ for financial aid purposes.

Your scholarship will be applied to your student account in three installments; fall, winter and spring terms. 

The scholarship is applied toward your CGCC tuition and fees first and if there are remaining funds you can use them for expenses related to your educational needs. Accepting a CGCC Foundation Scholarship may prompt a revision and possible reduction of your federal financial aid.

You will need to reapply for Foundation scholarships each year.