Program promises tuition-free higher education for 2023 high school graduates

This article was written for our sponsor, Johnston Community College.

In the mid-1980s, Betty Woodall dreamed of becoming an accountant. She worked three jobs — waiting tables, cleaning houses, and assisting in an accounting office — but money was still tight. She certainly didn’t earn enough to pay for tuition, books and fees at a four-year college. Yet, she earned too much to be eligible for federal or state financial aid for school.

She was determined to do whatever it took to live her dream, so she began attending Johnston Community College (JCC) full time while continuing to work full time as well.

"I had to pray when I went to work that I made enough tips to be able to pay my bills and pay my tuition," said Woodall.

After two years, she earned an Associate Degree in Accounting from JCC, and transferred to Atlantic Christian College (Barton College) with a scholarship —thanks to her GPA — and took out a student loan. Two years later, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. Later, she worked on the weekends to earn a Master’s Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University with a concentration in leadership. Woodall is now living her dream as Director of Financial Aid at JCC.

Attending JCC is a little easier today, thanks to the JoCo Commissioners Promise grant, which allows Johnston County high school graduates to attend JCC tuition free for up to four semesters.

Originally financed with $250,000 from the Johnston County Commission in the fall of 2022, the program’s success allowed it to be extended to 2023 graduates. Students who take advantage of the program have the opportunity to save thousands of dollars either before graduating with a two-year degree or prior to transferring to a four-year university.

The JoCo Commissioners Promise pays tuition and fees for graduates of a Johnston County high school, who are not eligible for federal or state educational aid. Grant recipients must enroll in at least six credit hours of classes, and earn at least a 2.0 GPA at the end of their first year to continue in the program. The cost of books, kits, supplies or specific program fees is not covered. This "last dollar" funding bridges the gap for those who dream of an education, yet need a little help paying the full-time tuition and fees at JCC.

The retention rate for the 109 students receiving the first year of the grant was 89% — higher than the 78.6% rate for the school overall. Woodall believes such success reflects the value students place on the financial support they receive.

"They need to make the best out of it, and do everything they can to get really good grades," said Woodall. "And then if they do transfer, they can save a whole lot of money."

For Joshua Bare, a second-year student at JCC, the JoCo Commissioners Promise gave him the push he needed to pursue a degree in business administration and finance. For him, JCC’s College Transfer and Success Program offered the support he was looking for to guide his transfer into a larger school.

"I knew I didn't want to jump straight into a four-year university, but I also wanted to get ahead on my college courses," Josh said. "So when I heard of this program and the JoCo Commissioners Promise, it was everything I needed in continuing my education journey."

Woodall knows firsthand the value of starting the higher education journey at JCC or another community college.

"Community college is an affordable way to obtain a quality education. It also allows students to either start a career or save money during their first few years of college if they want to transfer to a four-year school," said Woodall. "And JCC is a great school.We've got outstanding teachers, programs. It's a win-win."

To learn more about the JoCo Promise grant, call 919-209-2036 or visit the JCC website.

This article was written for our sponsor, Johnston Community College.