The Foundation awards scholarships to qualified persons to assist with the cost of attending Mountain Empire Community College. These awards are based on criteria such as financial need and academic promise and are available to persons who are enrolled or intend to enroll in specific programs. Scholarship recipients are selected by the MECC Office of Financial Aid.
Most students attending MECC qualify for some form of financial assistance, and MECC scholarships typically “fill in the gaps” in federal and state student aid programs. To encourage students’ progress through their chosen academic programs, most scholarships are awarded in two installments to cover expenses in the fall and spring semesters.
Student Emergency Assistance
The Student Emergency Assistance Program provides grants and loans to assist MECC students with financial emergencies that threaten their ability to remain in college. Student Emergency Assistance funds have assisted students with car repairs, utility bills, housing costs, healthcare expenses, and other needs. The MECC Foundation continues to raise funds to address growing students needs over time.
College operating funds are insufficient to fund all of the academic and student support needed. Giving to the MECC Foundation makes key student support programs possible, including tutoring and supplemental instruction, Career Navigators in regional high schools, and Great Expectations assistance for students served in the foster care system.