Presidential Reception to provide seniors information on new scholarship program

High school seniors are invited to attend the Presidential Reception for Emerging Coast Scholars on Thursday, November 21, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Hospitality Resort Management Center in Biloxi. The event will highlight the new Mississippi Gulf Coast Emerging Scholars Partnership and give students and their parents information about scholarships and honors programs.

High school seniors and their parents can register for the Presidential Reception for Emerging Coast Scholars here.

“MGCCC already does a lot for students, but we want to do even more,” said Dr. Phil Bonfanti, executive vice president of Student Services and Enrollment Management. “This past spring, MGCCC graduates were awarded $3.2 million in transfer scholarships. That equates to more than $12,700 each to complete the remaining two years of college toward a bachelor’s degree. These same students also received a variety of scholarships at MGCCC, with most students paying little or no tuition for their two years at Gulf Coast.

The innovative new program was unveiled on November 1 during a special event for high school principals and counselors, providing vital information to those who have direct contact with high school students in MGCCC’s four-county district comprising George, Harrison, Jackson and Stone counties.

Bringing together MGCCC Phi Theta Kappa and Honors College advisers with local high school counselors, principals, parents, students and teachers, the program is designed to prepare high school and college students to reach their full potential, receive scholarships and become academic champions. It will not only help school districts prepare students for opportunities to succeed through scholarships, but will provide a clearinghouse of scholarships available to students through MGCCC and for transfer after they graduate with an associate degree.
“We want to help students reach their full potential,” Bonfanti said. “This program focuses the full power of our resources and expertise into one program, providing easy access for students to receive the support they need to get there. With help from our high school partners, we can ensure students are prepared to meet the challenges of higher education successfully.”

In addition, a series of Scholarship Workshops will be held in February 2020 that will provide students, parents and counselors a playbook full of vital information to aid in student scholarship opportunities and preparation. The workshops will also cover resume creation, public speaking, scholarship and essay writing, and other relevant skills. Other events planned during the spring semester include Junior Scholars Draft and Scholars Signing Day. Additional information and registration about these events will be provided here.