JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida State College at Jacksonville announced a new program Thursday that seeks to provide a debt-free pathway to a college education.
The goal of the FSCJ Program is to help Duval and Nassau county students create financial sustainability while removing economic barriers, providing an affordable pathway to a college degree.
Starting this fall, FSCJ Promise will fully fund the first two years at FSCJ -- tuition, fees and books -- for eligible students. FSCJ Promise plans to serve up to 1,000 new students on an annual basis.
Program eligibility:
- Duval or Nassau county residents who graduated from a Duval or Nassau county public school
- First time in college and eligible for a federal Pell Grant (for each term enrolled)
- Enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours per term) in a college credit program of study that leads to an associates degree
"FSCJ Promise promotes equality amongst our students, a core component of the college's values, by eliminating the barrier of financial debt, ensuring that all of our community members have the chance to receive a quality education," FSCJ president Dr. Cynthia Bioteau said.
Students must meet with a student success advisor and develop an academic degree plan before their first term of enrollment.
In order to remain on the program, students will be required to maintain a 2.0 grade point average and stay continuously enrolled to at FSCJ. Students are also required to serve 60 hours of community service.
FSCJ will pay tuition, fees and books after state financial aid has been applied for four consecutive terms. The program does not cover classes taken during summer terms.
"Opening the door to education for those who might otherwise not receive it means providing opportunities that benefit not only the individual as they excel in their academic journey, but also the community in preparing a more talented, skilled and dedicated workforce," Bioteau said. "FSCJ Promise is one more piece of this mosaic for Jacksonville."