COMMISSIONERS EXPAND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM TO INCLUDE OCCUPATIONAL TRAINING

Established in 2006, the Garrett County Scholarship Program has been successful in encouraging more local high school graduates to pursue college study, the Commissioners noted in a press release.

The aim of the expanded Scholarship Program is similar:  to increase the number of individuals in Garrett County who are prepared for skilled jobs related to energy production, transportation, manufacturing, medical services, and other contemporary fields.

The new occupation scholarship will cover training and testing costs for an industry-related certificate program.  Students will have a maximum of two years to complete the program selected.

The existing academic scholarship covers Garrett College tuition up to a maximum of 64 credit hours or degree completion, whichever comes first.  Other sources of financial aid must be applied before the County Scholarship is utilized, which keeps the program cost-effective and leverages outside funding, the Commissioners noted.

Eligibility for the occupational scholarship is the same as for the academic scholarship.  An applicant must meet the following conditions:

1. Be a legally documented resident of Garrett County for at least two years prior to enrollment;
2. Be a graduate of Northern or Southern High School, or a graduate of a state-approved non-public school in Garrett County, a GED completer, or a student who is certified by the Garrett County Board of Education as home-schooled and can demonstrate learning outcomes equivalent to those of a high school graduate; and
3. Enroll in the semester following graduation or GED completion.  However, if the desired occupational training program is not offered in the semester immediately after graduation or GED completion, the student may enroll at the next available date.

Occupational training programs available in the year ahead may include welder, truck driver, certified nurse assistant, child care provider, office technology specialist, medical coding and transcription, and small engine repair, among others.

"In both academic and workforce components, the County Scholarship represents a long-term commitment to the economic development of the region," the Commissioners' press release stated.  "Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between a person's level of education and earning power.  The more educated and work ready its population, the more a community is able to attract and retain a strong business base.  And the more that base grows, the more it generates jobs for residents."

For more details about occupational training programs at Garrett College, persons may contact  the Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at (301) 387-3069.