Belmont University today announced the creation of a generous new scholarship program for high school graduates who live in the area surrounding the university. The Community Outreach Scholarship will pay 50 percent of a neighborhood student’s tuition for up to eight consecutive semesters.
One scholarship will be awarded every other year beginning with the fall 2006 semester. Students can apply September 1 through December 1. The scholarship equals $8,180 for the 2005-2006 academic year and is one of Belmont’s 10 largest scholarships in terms of monetary value.
The scholarship will go to a student with academic qualifications that are at or above the university average – The average student at Belmont last fall had an ACT of 25, GPA of 3.5 and SAT score of 1160 – and who has demonstrated financial need.
Belmont Vice President and University Counsel Jason Rogers says the university has worked closely with its Metro Council representative, Ginger Hausser, to develop this community scholarship. “We are grateful for her leadership and support in helping Belmont partner with the community in new ways,” Rogers said.
Belmont students currently serve locally in an ongoing tutorial program at Carter-Lawrence Elementary, a literacy program for immigrant children at Edgehill Library and a reading program at the Sevier Park Community Center. Belmont nursing students are also working with immigrant families in the Edgehill community.
“Our students are currently serving in neighborhood schools and I am very pleased that Belmont now has an even greater opportunity to connect to the community,” Belmont University President, Dr. Robert Fisher, said.
To be eligible for the scholarship, the student must live in a defined geographic area around the university and meet certain academic qualifications. Geographic boundaries for the scholarship are Interstate 440 south of the university, I-65 to the east, 21st Avenue/Hillsboro Road to the west and the Broadway exit off I-40 eastward toward I-65 to the north.
Students from the geographic area covered by the Community Outreach Scholarship who apply for admission to Belmont will automatically be considered as applicants for the scholarship. Preference will be given to persons graduating from public high schools, including magnet schools. Applications are available online at www.belmont.edu or by calling the Belmont Admissions Office at 460-6785.
