CGCC Foundation General Scholarship

CGCC Foundation General Scholarship

Overview: The CGCC Foundation awards student scholarship awards with a total value of more than $200,000 annually. The foundation connects with students, donors, and the community to support scholarships, programs and initiatives that improve the accessibility and quality of education at CGCC.

Award Amount: $2,500 per year, split equally between fall, winter, and spring quarters ($833.33 per term)

Geographic Scope: Columbia Gorge Community College district (The Dalles and Hood River, Oregon)

Eligibility:

Enrolled in a degree or certificate program at CGCC

Must enroll in at least 6 credits per term

Must have a FAFSA or ORSAA on file with CGCC each year

Cannot be dual-enrolled at any other institution (CGCC must remain 'home school' for financial aid purposes)

Selection Criteria: Awards are based on:

Financial Need: Lacking sufficient funds to pay for education, determined by Student Aid Index (SAI) and individual life circumstances

Promise: Demonstrated by answers to three narrative questions, evaluated based on circumstances faced, accomplishments made, and sense of direction/educational goals

Narrative Questions:
1. Financial and Life Circumstances: Explain any circumstances or challenges that may make continuing your education difficult without additional financial assistance
2. Education and Career Goals: Describe education and career goals and efforts to accomplish them with an example of commitment
3. Personal Accomplishment(s): Describe personal accomplishments of which you are most proud and how the experience(s) has shaped you

Scoring: Each narrative question is read four times by volunteer reviewers who score on a one to four scale. Reviewers do not see applicant's name, age, gender, race, etc.

Application Period: April 6 - May 6, 2026 for the 2026-27 academic year

Acceptance Requirements:

Enroll in at least 6 credits per term

Write a thank you letter to the foundation

Volunteer at one CGCC Foundation event throughout the academic year

Maintain satisfactory academic progress

Have a FAFSA or ORSAA on file with CGCC each year

Check CGCC email account regularly for information from the College and Foundation

Cannot become dual-enrolled at any other institution

Disbursement: Scholarship is applied to student account in three installments (fall, winter, spring terms). Applied toward tuition and fees first; remaining funds can be used for education-related expenses.

Contact Information:

Phone: 541.506.6104

Email: foundation@cgcc.edu

Address: 400 East Scenic Drive, The Dalles, OR 97058-3434

Vision and Mission

Vision: College and workforce training can strengthen our community. We envision a future where Columbia Gorge Community College is accessible to everyone, empowering every student to achieve their goals.

Mission: The Foundation connects with students, donors, and the community to support scholarships, programs and initiatives that improve the accessibility and quality of education at CGCC.

Principles

• Open Communication
• Respect
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Inclusion and Equity