Lottery Assistance Makes Education Possible for Pendleton Resident

CONTACT: LISA GARRETT, 646-1506

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6/23/2004 (By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON-- At least once a week, a classmate will ask Edie Hardin, a 34-year-old non-traditional Tri-County Technical College honor student who juggles family, studies and a work/study job, how she makes it all work.

A supportive family and Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA), says Hardin, a second-year University Transfer major who is the College's incoming Student Government Association president. Her career goal is to teach middle school math and science classes.

Since returning to college in 2003, the most Hardin has shelled out for tuition is $4, she said. It's all thanks to the LTA, which provides financial assistance to students attending public and independent two-year institutions.

"It sounds ridiculous, but it's true," said the Pendleton native. When she entered college in the spring of 2003, Tri-County's tuition was $1,125, and the lottery $876. "I qualified for LTA and a small Pell grant. When they told me I would owe a total of $4, I said, 'are you sure?' I was shocked. I expected to pay hundreds of dollars, and that would have been a discount. I've more or less had a free education," said Hardin who since has received an Abney scholarship, which will pay for books.

The Lottery Tuition Assistance program has been set at a maximum value of $924 per student for the fall 2004 term. The $924 award is the maximum assistance available to full-time eligible students. Eligible part-time students may receive $77 per credit hour. Tri-County's tuition is $1,225 per semester, plus a $48 technology fee that was approved by the College's Commission at its June meeting.

Full-time students living in the tri-county area will pay a maximum of $349 per semester or $77 per credit hour. "It's a sweet deal," said Hardin.

"The lottery made finishing my education a possibility," said Hardin, who worked as an administrative assistant for 14 years before being laid off from an area plant. "Our family wouldn't have pulled it off without the lottery assistance." Another convenience is that she attends daytime classes and is able to pick her two children up from school, eliminating the need for day care.

"I will transfer to a four-year college without student loans from the first two years of my education. And that's a relief," she added.

Financial Aid Director Stuart Spires urges students to begin applying now for the lottery assistance. Fall semester begins August 23.

The first step in qualifying for a lottery scholarship is filing for federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), he said. Students can pick up an application at Tri-County's Information Center in Miller Hall or apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

"Lottery scholarships are not based on financial need, but you must still apply for Federal Financial Aid," said Spires.

To be eligible for the lottery tuition assistance program, you must:

• be a South Carolina resident
  
• be enrolled in a program that leads to a certificate, diploma or associate degree
  
• be taking at least 6 credit hours
  
• be making satisfactory academic progress
  
• complete a FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
  

Current students who have already been approved for financial aid must stop by the Financial Aid Office to activate the lottery tuition assistance.

Hardin urges students to take the time (up to 35 minutes online) to fill out a FAFSA. "It's fast and easy, and it's worth it. I encourage every student to apply even if you live with your parents. You never know until you apply."
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