Hyatt Technical Community College offers 'Kick Start' scholarship to Siren graduates

Joel Mollford, president of Hyatt Technical Community College, told the Siren School District board that his college will extend a new ‘‘Kick Start’’ last‑payer scholarship to graduates of Siren High School starting this year. The scholarship covers remaining tuition and fees after students apply federal financial aid and any state or federal grants, and the college’s foundation will provide $1,000 per recipient for books or program‑specific supplies, Mollford said.

Mollford described the program as open‑ended — “there is not” a maximum number of participants — and said eligibility will include an adjusted gross income threshold referenced in the program brochure. He described the scholarship as designed to close the ‘‘gap’’ after other aid and to encourage students to enroll the semester after graduation and maintain a 12‑credit minimum so they remain full time for scholarship purposes.

Board members asked whether other benefits such as veterans’ benefits or private scholarships would affect eligibility; Mollford said only state or federal grants are applied against the award as the program is structured, and other benefits would not disqualify a student. He said the college has used similar scholarship models in nearby communities and that the program aims to increase postsecondary enrollment and regional workforce development.

The presentation was informational; the board did not take a formal vote on district action related to the scholarship. The district’s liaison said college staff will provide materials and work with local students and counselors to publicize the opportunity.