Nearly 100 scholarships available at Southern State this fall

Southern State Community College is offering nearly 100 Trustee and Foundation scholarships for students enrolled or planning to enroll in the Fall Semester beginning in August 2026. The college says a single scholarship application can qualify students for multiple awards, and preference will be given to those who apply by Tuesday, March 31. The scholarship portal will remain open through the first week of fall classes in August.

The awards are available to transfer students and to students pursuing degrees that lead directly to employment. Students enrolled in the College Credit Plus program are not eligible. The scholarships are in addition to federal and state financial aid programs, and they are intended to help lower the upfront cost barriers that often prevent Adams County residents from completing postsecondary training.

For students and families in Adams County, these scholarships have implications beyond tuition relief. By expanding access to workforce-oriented degrees and certificates, local employers including health clinics, long-term care facilities, and small businesses may find it easier to recruit trained staff from the community. That steady pipeline of locally trained graduates can improve continuity of care and services, bolster public health capacity during seasonal surges, and reduce the need for costly recruitment from outside the region.

Southern State’s emphasis on awards for programs that lead to immediate employment touches directly on equity. Low-income students, adult learners returning to school, and people seeking to shift careers can benefit from scholarship support that reduces debt and accelerates entry into well-paying jobs. For families balancing work and caregiving responsibilities, even modest scholarship aid can make the difference between enrolling and postponing education.

Applying is straightforward: students need only complete one scholarship application to be considered for multiple awards. Prospective applicants can apply online at sscc.edu/financialaid/scholarships.shtml or contact the Financial Aid Department at 800.628.7722, Ext. 2515 to learn more. The college advises early applicants will receive priority consideration, but the application window remains open through early August for late decisions.

For Adams County residents weighing education as a pathway to stable employment and better health outcomes, these scholarships represent an immediate opportunity. Meeting the March 31 priority deadline will maximize chances for aid, while the extended portal offers flexibility for students who enroll later this summer. As the community seeks to strengthen its workforce and address local health and economic disparities, accessible scholarship funding at Southern State can be a practical tool toward those goals.