Northwest-Shoals Community College is providing a “jump start” on education for the 2016 graduating class by offering them one free college course – savings of up to $568 for a four-hour class.

“This program is intended to help students apply for any unused Federal Financial Aid funds,” said NW-SCC assistant dean of admissions, financial aid and recruitment, Tom Carter. “These funds, along with the summer scholarship program, are selected to help college freshmen prepare for their future while saving time and money. We want to encourage students to apply early for federal aid. Those not receiving federal aid will still be eligible for summer scholarships.”

Students who graduate from high school in spring 2016 with a high school diploma are eligible to apply. The scholarship has no effect on any other financial aid, and it will not affect plans to attend another school in the fall. To qualify for the free tuition scholarship, students should:

1)    Complete the 2015-2016 Federal Student Aid form using 2014 income information. This application can be submitted online at www.fafsa.gov.

2)    Complete the NW-SCC application for admission. The application is obtainable from the high school counselor or at NW-SCC. There is no application fee.

3)    Approximately five days after submitting a FAFSA online, all students should contact the NW-SCC Financial Aid office for further assistance. Those not qualifying for financial aid will be eligible to apply for a summer scholarship.

Once this process is completed, the student will then receive information on college placement testing, advising and registration for the 2016 summer semester. Students taking advantage of the Jump Start program will be given the opportunity to register early for academic, technical, day, evening or online courses.

The summer semester begins May 31 for full and first mini-term classes, June 2 for the eight-week term and July 1 for the second mini-term.

For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office on the Shoals Campus at 256-331-5368 or on the Phil Campbell Campus at 256-331-6332.