Graduates guaranteed admission and up to
$28,000 in scholarships as part of new agreement
MANSFIELD, Pa. – Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield, together as Commonwealth University and the Central Columbia School District (Columbia County), have signed an agreement guaranteeing admission, eligibility for merit-based scholarships, and on-campus housing at any of its locations.
The agreement guarantees admission for Central graduates who enroll in a
bachelor’s degree program and who meet the following criteria:
Apply for admission to any location within Commonwealth University no later
than December 15 of the student’s senior year.
Graduate from Central Columbia School District.
Central Columbia graduates would be eligible for four tiers of academic
merit scholarships according to the following academic preparedness of the
student applicant:
- Tier 1 – 95% or above cumulative GPA at Central –
$28,000; $7,000 annually - Tier 2 – 90-94% cumulative GPA at Central – $24,000;
$6,000 annually - Tier 3 – 85-89% cumulative GPA at Central – $16,000;
$4,000 annually - Tier 4 – 80-84% cumulative GPA at Central – $12,000;
$3,000 annually
Central scholarship recipients must remain enrolled full-time at
Commonwealth University for a minimum of 12 credits per academic semester and
maintain an overall GPA of 2.50 to remain in good academic standing and
therefore eligible for the scholarship.
The scholarship is renewable for up to four (4) academic years, or eight (8)
consecutive fall and spring academic semesters, if the criteria above are met.
On-campus housing at the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, or Mansfield campuses, will
be guaranteed for up to four (4) years of full-time student enrollment.
Nursing, physician assistant, and other health professions programs remain
selective and have additional requirements or capacities. For these programs,
it is vital that students apply as early as possible to these majors to receive
early consideration for admission.
“We are fortunate to have academically talented high school students
living in our region who will thrive as Huskies, Bald Eagles, and
Mounties,” said Bashar W. Hanna, CommonwealthU president. “This
agreement assures students from Central Columbia who work hard and display the
grit and determination to complete a college degree have the opportunity to
attend our institution at an affordable cost. Student success is at the heart
of what we do, and why our mission to prepare students for their future careers
results in 99% of our graduates employed or in graduate programs. With more
access to academic programs, professional experiences, internships, and
uncommon experiences, these students have opportunities far and above what any
one location could offer independently. This partnership harnesses the ‘Power
of Three’ for our students, their families, and our community.”
Jeff Groshek, superintendent of the Central Columbia School District, knows
this agreement, as a continuation of the partnership with Bloomsburg, has
greatly benefitted the district’s students. “Our students have seen over
the last several years that if they work hard throughout their four years of
high school, they will have access to the region’s academic powerhouse,
Commonwealth University,” said Grosheck.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Diana Rogers-Adkinson
spoke of how this will benefit both the students and employers in the region.
“This agreement will benefit the students we serve, including a portion
who are first-generation students,” Rogers-Adkinson said. “Many
Central Columbia students already take advantage of our Advance College
Experience (ACE) program, which allows them to earn college credit while still
in high school. Now it will be even easier and more affordable for them to
continue their studies at one of our Commonwealth U locations to earn their
degree.”
“In addition, this agreement will benefit workforce development in our
region and beyond,” Rogers-Adkinson said. “Keeping our best and
brightest in our region will strengthen our communities for years to
come.”
Currently, 31 Central Columbia junior and senior high schoolers are enrolled
in the Advance College Experience (ACE) dual enrollment program, earning
valuable college credits at Bloomsburg. 119 Central students have participated
in the program over the last four years.
According to Tom Fletcher, Senior Advisor to the
President for Strategic Partnerships, “This agreement further solidifies the
great working relationship we have with our local school districts, including
Central Columbia. And now with our Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield, and
Clearfield locations, Commonwealth University offers even more benefits for
students and their families. It’s a powerful combination.”
