Charter Oak State College Foundation

The Foundation scholarships and grants programs gives students the opportunity to apply for financial help through the awarding of scholarship, grants, emergency funding, and credit for prior learning awards. The awards are given to relieve financial barriers that often prevent our motivated adult learners from pursuing and completing a higher education degree; to provide financial assistance to verify credits earned for prior learning, through testing and portfolio evaluations; and also to provide funding to students that are experiencing an unexpected financial crisis. Additionally, generous donors have established named endowment funds, in perpetuity, with the intent of awarding scholarships specific to the criteria outlined for each fund. The Foundation awards funding to approximately 75 students.

Women in transition program (wit) - established in 2000 to break the cycle of poverty, the wit program is a proven formula that helps low-income single mothers earn a College degree with no to minimal debt. The program eliminates barriers such as, covers the cost of tuition, fees, and books; and provides the necessary technology and access. While the College platform addresses home front, childcare, and transportation challenges; plus offers academic support, tutoring, and coaching. The support and resources strategically remove hindrances, enabling students to focus on their studies and reach degree completion. The program awards assistance to approximately 35 women each academic year.

Pathways

The widows' society award is added funding for the women in transition students. These grant dollars were given to help our low-income single mothers earn a College degree with no to minimal debt without restriction to zip code. Additionally, the widows award helps students attend College year-round by supplying supplemental awards during the summer months, where students may not qualify for federal pell aid (due to the number of credits).