Westport Foundation Awards HCC $400,000 Grant for Scholarships

BRIDGEPORT ‑ The Allison Foundation of Westport has established a $400,000 scholarship fund for students attending Housatonic Community College.

            The two-year grant will allocate $200,000 a year for full scholarships, stipends for academic success, and emergency assistance for needy students. The scholarships will be available starting the spring 2013 semester.

“We’re delighted to be the recipients of this generous grant,” said Housatonic Community College President, Anita T. Gliniecki, “It will open educational doors to students who might not otherwise be able to attend college.”

Recipients of the Allison scholarships will include students who are registered at HCC and have completed nine credits.  Those students who have less than nine credits and are seeking scholarship assistance will also be eligible, if the following criteria have been met: GPA of 3.0 or better in high school, recommendations from at least two high school teachers that includes a statement about the students’ attendance in high school, financial need, and preferably volunteerism/extra-curricular activities outside the classroom. 

Full-time recipients of the Allison scholarships shall also be eligible for a stipend of $250 for a GPA of 2.5 – 2.9, $400 for a GPA of 3.0 – 3.5 and $500 for a GPA of 3.6 or higher, at the end of the fall and spring semesters.  This stipend may be used for any purpose so designated by the student.

“The scholarship is seen as a way to provide students a means to enter college and remain in college to continue their education,” said HCC Director of Institutional Advancement Christopher Carollo.

In addition, the grant will set aside $3,000 per semester for emergency purposes.

The Allison Foundation was established by Westport residents Simin and Herb Allison.

Housatonic Community College provides an affordable and accessible education through two-year degrees, transfer preparation, and certificate programs, as well as a wide variety of continuing education and personal/professional enrichment seminars and workshops.  In addition, HCC offers employee and occupational training for businesses, municipalities, government agencies, and professional associations to help develop the educated and skilled workforce required to meet regional business and industry needs.  HCC is nationally recognized as an “Achieving the Dream” institution.  To learn more, visit the college’s website at: www.hcc.commnet.edu.

Housatonic is located at 900 Lafayette Blvd. in downtown Bridgeport, less than 150 yards off I-95 (Exit 27) and Rte. 8 (Exit 1), a block from the Harbor Yard sports complex. Free parking is available in the Housatonic garage.