Wayne Community College’s Financial Aid office is teaming up with local high schools to help inform students of their financial options for college.
Through the partnership, WCC’s Financial Aid staff will serve as personal liaisons for each public high school in Wayne County, including Wayne Early/Middle College High School, Wayne School of Engineering, and Wayne School of Technical Arts.
Each financial aid specialist will act as a school’s single point of contact and help high school guidance counselors with any questions a student may have. They can also assist with financial aid events or information sessions hosted by the high schools.
“We’re really hopeful that this partnership will be a great thing for Wayne County and its students,” said WCC Director of Financial Aid and Veteran Services Katrina Lee.
Currently, the partnership only extends to Wayne County Public Schools, but Lee said private high schools who are interested may take part as well.
WCC’s Financial Aid office provides students with options to help make the cost of education affordable. Financial assistance is available through federal, state, and institutional student aid programs, as well as scholarship programs.
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive financial aid. By filling out the FAFSA, prospective and current students could access grants and scholarships that they do not have to pay back, work-study programs that allow them to earn money while working at the school they attend, and student loan options.
Lee said she is hopeful that this partnership will help increase FAFSA completion rates, which are low in Wayne County, so that more students can pursue higher education. She also believes the partnership may show more students that WCC is a great option, both academically and financially.
“A person’s education is always worthwhile, and it can be more affordable at a community college,” Lee said.
For more information about financial aid, visit WCC’s website. Contact WCC’s Financial Aid department at 919-739-6735 or wcc-finaid@waynecc.edu.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.