Tarrant County College Foundation, United Way Collaborate With Nonprofits to Offer Opportunities for Women

Low-income women with children will have the opportunity to pursue postsecondary degrees, certificates and career training at Tarrant County College through the new United Way Women's Leadership Society Scholarship, sponsored by The Women's Fund of United Way of Tarrant County.      

The $10,000 grant funding the scholarship will be presented to the Tarrant County College Foundation Tuesday, July 6, at 9:45 a.m. in the Trinity Point Room of Trinity River Campus, located at 300 Trinity Campus Circle in downtown Fort Worth.

The scholarship is a collaborative effort designed to serve the clients of three local community organizations-SafeHaven of Tarrant County, the Women's Center of Tarrant County and YWCA of Fort Worth.

"It is exciting that The Women's Leadership Society and Tarrant County College Foundation can partner with SafeHaven, The Women's Center, and the YWCA to help educate women who have had major challenges in their lives," said Ginny Tigue, member of the Women's Leadership Society and the TCC Foundation Board. "We are dedicated to help these women have the opportunity to obtain better jobs to support themselves and their families."

Beginning the fall 2010 semester, five to 10 individuals will be selected to receive $500 per semester toward TCC tuition costs, with the opportunity to extend the scholarship for a second year, up to $2,000 per person, if certain academic requirements are met.

Once enrolled at TCC, recipients may choose their preferred educational path-an associate degree providing a basis for transfer to a four-year institution, a certificate of completion providing specialized career training, or a continuing education program providing certification or licensure.

"This scholarship will support each recipient's personal goals of personal and professional improvement while readying individuals to be strong contributors to the local workforce.  It's a win-win," said TCC Foundation Donor Relations Officer Liz Sisk.

Recipients must also meet minimum enrollment requirements-12 hours per semester for an associate degree or certificate program and 6 units per quarter for a continuing education program-and have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA or 550 GED score.

Tarrant County College Foundation will coordinate the scholarship funds and application and selection processes.

Tarrant County College Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization classified under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is dedicated to opening the educational doors of opportunity that will positively influence the lives and citizenry of Tarrant County. Governed by a volunteer board of directors since 1988, TCCF supports the comprehensive mission of Tarrant County College, providing affordable and open access to quality teaching and learning. More information about TCCF is available at www.tccd.edu/foundation or at 817-515-5277.

Media Contact: 817-515-5212