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The Gulf Coast State College Foundation, Inc.

Vision and Mission

Based on the principles of trust and integrity, the vision of The Gulf Coast State College Foundation is to advance the causes of Gulf Coast State College. 

 The Gulf Coast State College Foundation’s mission is to create a scholarship program providing educational opportunities to deserving students.  Further, the mission of the Foundation is to enhance the educational programs and student services available at GCSC.  Through the active involvement and leadership of citizens united by these purposes, the Foundation serves as an effective liaison between GCSC and the community.  The Foundation assists the College in enriching the community through cultural opportunities and in enhancing economic development of the community with educational programs.

Founded in 1967, the Foundation has more than $25 million in assets.  Throughout its 42 year history, it has awarded more than $5 million in scholarships for GCSC students, and has provided more than $1.5 in support of college programs.  In 1991, the Foundation completed its Wall of Honor Endowment Campaign, which continues to award hundreds of scholarships each year.  In 1997, the Foundation launched the Honors Plaza Endowment Campaign to provide annual support for the continuing need for state-of-the-art instructional technology.  The Foundation finalized its Legacy of Trust Endowment Campaign in spring 2007 with over $9 million.

Scholarships 

What is a scholarship?  A Foundation Scholarship award is a monetary amount (grant-in-aid) given to a GCSC student who has applied and been selected to receive a scholarship.  Scholarship awards are not meant to cover 100% of a student’s educational cost.  Awards are intended only to supplement a student’s educational needs.

Who can apply for a scholarship?  Scholarship opportunities are open to all students attending or planning to attend Gulf Coast State College.  Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.  All applicants must be accepted to Gulf Coast State College and have obtained a Student ID Number.

What scholarship opportunities are available to me?  There are three types of scholarship opportunities available:  1) General Foundation Scholarships; 2) Endowed Foundation Scholarships; and 3) High School Honors Scholarships.

How do I set up my online student account?  The scholarship application process is quick, easy and free!  Visit www.gulfcoast.edu/STARS and enter the requested information.  This is your permanent account and may be accessed at any time online.

How do I apply for a scholarship?  Log on to your student account to view the scholarships you qualify for.  Select which scholarships you are interested in and submit your applications.

When do I apply?  The application dates are January 1 to March 1 of each year.  Any application received after the deadline will be kept on file and deemed as late.

Questions about scholarships?  Contact the Gulf Coast State College Foundation at (850) 873-3810 or visit www.gulfcoast.edu.

Alumni Association

The mission of the GCSC Alumni Association is to engage alumni, students, supporters, and friends of Gulf Coast State College in programs, events and services that ignite interest, build loyalty, and create support for Gulf Coast State College.

What are the benefits?   Being a part of the GCSC Alumni Association can certainly be rewarding.  Not only do you benefit by being kept up-to-date on all things Gulf Coast, but you also have opportunities involving networking and alumni recognition, attending discounted theatre and athletic events, keeping in touch with classmates, attending special alumni events and receptions, and participating in educational workshops.  As a member, you will receive complimentary copies of The Clipper, GCSC’s premier community magazine, as well as the student publication, The Gull’s Cry.

How does the Alumni Association recognize and support alumni and students in our community?  The GCSC Alumni Association has established new initiatives to recognize, support, and mentor alumni, students and community members:

• The GCSC Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2010 to recognize and honor the accomplishments of our outstanding alumni.  Eligible alumni are nominated by community members in one of two categories, including the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Rising Star Alumni Award (for alumni completing their studies at GCSC within the past ten years).  Finalists are selected based on their achievements in career, service to our community, and their contributions to the educational experience of GCSC students.  Finalists are recognized and award winners are announced each spring.  Recipients of this prestigious award are:  Sheriff W. Frank McKeithen, 2011 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year; Ms. Tamika Ross Williams, 2011 Rising Star Alumnus of the Year; and Dr. Ingrid Johnson Rachesky, 2010 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.

• The GCSC Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund was initiated in 2010 to support a deserving student in receiving an excellent education experience at GCSC.  The Alumni Association is awarding this scholarship annually, while hosting fundraising events that raise funds to endow the scholarship as quickly as possible.  This scholarship is open to all "Legacy" students whose parent(s) have obtained a degree from Gulf Coast. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate merit and financial need. Priority consideration is given to applicants whose parent or parents are current members of the Association and who reside in Bay, Gulf, or Franklin County.

• The Alumni Association’s Career Workshops were initiated in 2009 and have been extremely successful in helping students, alumni, and community members with their job search preparations.  Working with the GCSC Career Center and Workforce Center, the Alumni Association hosts two Career Workshops each year.  Participants learn tips and techniques for improving their resumes, interview skills, social networking skills, and how to dress for success.  Workshops conclude with a professional panel of Alumni Advisory Council members and community leaders answering individual questions and offering professional advice to help each participant with their specific job search needs.

Who can join?  We define our alumni as anyone with 12 or more hours (credit or non-credit courses) at GCSC.  Gulf Coast graduates, current students (part-time and full-time students), former students, certificate holders and students, vocational students, continuing and community education students, encore students, and occasional students with 12 or more hours are welcome and encouraged to join.  The GCSC Alumni Association also offers a “Friend” membership for friends who support the Alumni Association’s initiatives, but are not GCSC alumni.

What is the cost to join?  Membership fees support Alumni Association events and activities.  Annual membership options for an Alumni Membership include:  Family Membership ($25); Individual Membership ($15); Current Student ($10); and New Graduate (Complimentary One-Year Membership).  Annual membership options for the Friend Membership include:  Family Membership ($25) and the Individual Membership ($15).

Join Today!  Contact the Office of Alumni Affairs today for more information and/or join online by visiting our web site:  GCSC Office of Alumni Affairs, phone:  (850) 873-3583;  Email: alumni@gulfcoast.edu; Web:  www.gulfcoast.edu/alumni.

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