The Glendale Community College Scholarship Committee will raise the eligibility grade point average to 2.5 from 2.0 as of the end of this semester, reflecting requirements set by donors to the program.

“Most of the scholarships are given to students with a GPA of 2.5 and better, because that’s what the donor requires,” said Angela Battaglia, scholarship coordinator. Students who applied by the February deadline will not be affected by this change, which goes into effect in the fall.

Currently, scholarships are available to transferring or continuing students who have completed at least 12 units of college credit. The policy change is intended in part to encourage students to do better academically, so that they will have a better chance when transferring to a four-year university.

There are currently 199 scholarships offered through the Scholarship Committee, 187 of which require a GPA of 2.5 or more. Of the remaining 12, eight require a minimum 3.0 GPA, one requires a minimum 3.25, and three a minimum 3.5.

Scholarships are awarded for academic achievement, financial need, participation in campus activities, or other criteria established by donors.

A single application filled out during the filing period allows a student to be considered for all GCC scholarships for an entire school year.

The types of awards vary from aviation scholarships, Patrons Club scholarships, scholarships for education majors, or for excellence in visual or performing arts, political or social sciences, mathematics, environmental sciences, biology, and other disciplines.

For more information, visit the Scholarship Office in the J. Walter Smith Student Center, or call Battaglia at Ext. 5591. She can also be reached by e-mail at [email protected].