Jared Harper shakes hands with TMCC President Karin Hilgersom, PhD, at the Legacy Scholarship Reception in October.
When Jared Harper was beginning his studies in graphics at Truckee Meadows Community College, he wanted to support himself through school and was working at a retail store in Reno, not knowing that TMCC Foundation scholarships were available to help with school expenses.
Harper, who received a Jacobs Presidential Scholarship for the 2016-2017 academic year, credits a visit to his Graphic Communications (GRC) 118 class from an Access, Outreach and Recruitment staff member who helped get him started with the process of applying and winning the award.
“I always thought I should look into a scholarship and also thought it would take more time to apply, but Nayesdi Badillo-Delgado came to a graphics class and told us about the Jacobs scholarship and I knew right away that this one would directly apply to me,” Harper said.
Working in retail was challenging for completing college projects because the work hours would change every week. Some weeks also offered more work hours than others. Harper at first chose payment plans in order to be able to afford tuition, but then found by the end of the semester, he might have to drop courses if he couldn’t afford the last couple of payments.
“I emailed Nayesdi and set up a meeting with her,” he said. “She walked me through the application, showing me the parts of the online form. Seeing the application, I found that I did meet the requirements for that particular scholarship.”
Harper was awarded the Scholarship in October and it helped him to complete a Graphic Communications Certificate of Achievement in December 2016, and continue on for a Graphic Communications Associate of Applied Science Degree that he will finish in Fall Semester 2017 or Spring 2018.
“It really helps when you can walk into the class and not worry about being able to pay by the end of the semester,” he added.
The Application Form is Concise
Applications for TMCC Foundation scholarships are due on Wednesday, March 1.
“The online form to apply for TMCC Foundation 2017-2018 scholarships is straightforward and not long,” said Tara Hawkins, Development Officer and Scholarship Manager. “I encourage students to write a little something about themselves in the essay field to give the reviewers some information about their financial circumstances or educational goals.”
After completing the application, students are matched to one or more of the 200 scholarship opportunities. Harper said the form is not as time-consuming as he thought it was going to be. He highly recommends that fellow students check it out.
“Get online and look at the application, because it’s a lot easier than you’d assume,” he said. “And if you have any problems with it, there are plenty of people here to help you with it.”
The TMCC Foundation scholarship application is located at AcademicWorks on the TMCC website.
Hawkins also encourages students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, if they haven’t yet applied. Help with this application is available at the Financial Literacy and Money Education by Students (FLAMES) desk outside of Red Mountain Building, room 315.
“Students can walk up any time and we’ll take them through the FAFSA,” said Christian Hatch, FLAMES Peer Mentor. “We’re usually here most times between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays, but if one of our team isn’t at the desk, students can also get help with FAFSA in the Financial Aid Office next door.”
For more information about applying for one of the many scholarships, contact Tara Hawkins, Development Officer and Scholarship Manager, in the TMCC Foundation at 775-673-7127. For information about federal grants, loans and work study programs, please contact the Financial Aid, Scholarships, Student Employment and Veterans Educational Benefits Office at 775-673-7072.