College Unbound, which was approved on May 20, 2015 as the 13th degree-granting institution in Rhode Island, is accepting applications for its second cohort independent of partner institutions. Twelve qualified students will receive scholarships of $10,000 – enough to cover one full year’s tuition! This scholarship will continue to be awarded each year that the student remains in good standing until s/he completes their degree.
College Unbound is pursuing accreditation through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), at least a year-and-a-half process. Because students will not qualify for financial aid until College Unbound is approved for candidacy for accreditation, College Unbound will continue to partner with Charter Oak State College for most current students and Charter Oak has agreed to accept CU credits for students in the two solo cohorts, if CU’s accreditation application process were to be delayed or denied.
Applications must have a college GPA of at least 2.0, and a minimum of 9, but no more than 60, college credits to qualify for the scholarship. This ensures that graduation happens after CU can obtain NEASC candidacy/accreditation. Students must submit a complete application and a $50 refundable application to be considered. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but there is a priority deadline of November 18th, 2016. Those students chosen will also be subject to an interview and be required to complete a writing assessment. Scholarship recipients will be notified before the beginning of the term. Students will attend an orientation session on January 18th, 2017 before classes begin on January 23rd, 2017.
College Unbound students participate in courses that are both online and in-person. They attend a seminar with their learning cohort one evening per week and receive weekly one-on-one support from an academic advisor. Learning at College Unbound is unique – it is purpose-based, project-drive, cohort-supported, and workplace-enhanced.
College Unbound Provost Dr. Adam Bush said of the scholarship, “The first independent cohort of College Unbound is incredible and we have seen great success with our students. We are excited to be building upon that work with this additional round of twelve students.”
Dennis Littky, President of College Unbound and Founder of the Met School in Providence, says, “This is an incredible opportunity for an adult to come back to college, knowing they can connect their life, work, and school through projects that fit their courses. We see College Unbound as a talent developer, finding and building leaders in Rhode Island.”
To learn more about CU & the Daring Dozen Scholarship, attend our next Open House!