Welcome from our CCBC Family

Thanks for joining us!

It is our privilege to introduce our new CCBC Parent & Supporter Newsletter to all of those who support our CCBC students in their academic journeys on campus. It is our intent that this newsletter and digital reference tool will provide you with insights and information that will enable you to be a strong advocate for your student, and support them as they encounter the ups and downs of their collegiate experience. Be sure to be on the lookout for updates about important dates and deadlines, resources available to students, special upcoming events on campus, and tips and tricks to help students achieve their academic, professional and personal goals.

If there are ideas or areas that you would like for us to cover here, be sure to click the Contact button at the top of the page to share that important feedback with our team working on this project. And if you would like, you can sign up to receive an automatic email update at the bottom of the page whenever something is published here.  We thank you for all that you do to support our students during their time at CCBC!

Sincerely,

Dr. Shelly Moore, Provost
Ms. Angela Hamilton, Acting Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment

ANNOUNCING FALL 2020 COURSE FORMATS AT CCBC

Some things will never be the same, but one thing’s for sure: CCBC is here and ready for our community, offering high-quality, relevant, and affordable education no matter what. Your student, and our entire community needs the best and safest educational experience that they can get this fall. That’s where Titan Flex comes in; it’s way more than just online learning. With Titan Flex, students choose the way they want to learn and when and where they want to learn course material.

It may feel like the whole world is on pause right now. But your student’s academic progress doesn’t have to be. Hear how Titans like them are moving forward, staying on track, and achieving their dreams, with highly flexible classes that are career and transfer ready.

OLD SCHOOL MEET NEW SCHOOL

This isn’t your grandma’s college classroom – or even the one our students sat in a few months ago. Encourage them to enroll in Titan Flex classes or choose from any of our other available instructional formats to build their semester their way. They can be future-ready with one of our five course delivery models this fall at CCBC!

CLASS FORMAT	DESCRIPTION	REGISTRATION CODE
Titan Flex	– Blend of face-to-face, distance learning, and asynchronous online instruction. All three options are always available and lectures are recorded so students can participate at times outside of the normal delivery times . – Courses meet on scheduled days with half the students attending one day and the other half of the students attending the other day. Faculty lectures are live on campus and live online.	T
Distance Learning	-100% online instruction. -Faculty do not require students to attend at the same time and all information is available in the online format	D
Online/Synchronous	-Online instruction offered at a scheduled time. -Typically, students will attend together online during their class time. Faculty should record lectures for students who are absent. -High School Academy students will follow this model.	S
Hybrid	-Combination of face-to-face and online instruction. -All students come to campus at designated times and all students complete work online at other times. -To socially distance, faculty may choose to bring half the class on certain days and the remainder of the class on different days.	H Z (with lab)
Face-to-Face	-100% in-person instruction. -Faculty require students to attend class on campus according to the day and time listed on their schedules.	L (with lab)

Click Here to search courses running this fall by delivery category

Supporting Students Online – How You Can Best Help Your Student

While some students and faculty members are used to navigating online-only courses, the college’s shift to this model of delivery for the time being may bring unfamiliarity and fear for those who have never navigated the online-only space. While there is more flexibility for all involved, there are some challenges that can arise, as well as strategies that can help address those. Whether it’s for students, or for parents/supporters, here are a few keys to remember as we all approach this new environment.

FOR STUDENTS:

Develop & Maintain a Routine: Time Management is Crucial

While there is far more fluid time in a student’s schedule working online, that freedom can lead to procrastination (and poor academic outcomes) if they don’t have a plan in place. Students should create a weekly schedule that they follow, designating certain hours each week to reading, watching lectures, completing assignments, studying, and participating in forums. They should commit to making their online coursework part of their weekly routine, and set reminders for themselves to complete these tasks. Building a schedule that factors in dedicated school time (much like what would have been in place were they on campus) can be a significant springboard forward.

Set up dedicated spaces for academic activities

It can be very tempting to think about lounging on the couch (or in bed) and working intotal comfort. While comfort can be a big part of online learning (as we write this from the comfort of our favorite hoodie and sweatpants), understanding where a student works best is key for their success. Students should set up a dedicated learning environment for academic work. By completing their work there repeatedly, they’ll begin to establish a routine. Whether their workspace is the kitchen table, the desk in their bedroom, or a well-lit nook with convenient power outlets, it’s important for them to determine what type of environment will work best and keep them organized. They should experiment to discover which type of setting boosts their productivity. As they set those spaces up, they should keep in mind:

• Wherever they choose, make sure there’s high-speed internet access so they’re not trying to take an online course over a lagging connection.
• Knowing exactly where important dates, files, forms, syllabi, books, and assignments live will help keep them on track towards hitting their goals.
• Finding ways to avoid distractions is key – and the space is no different. Online tools like Blocksite, which can block specific websites that a user tells it to (hello Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, etc. ) can help there.

be a clear communicator

We’ve all sent somebody a text that was supposed to be funny, only to realize as soon as it left our fingertips that it probably came off as mean and jerky? It happens. In the online space, we’re mostly dependent on the written word to exchange information, ideas and perspectives with one another. But we don’t always excel in our use of the written word. (U no exactly wut i mean:-)’ In online classes, students’ ability to both communicate using the written medium, and to receive information the same way, is key to success. And we’re not even talking about essays or research writing; it’s more basic than that. Most interactions with instructors and peers will require writing emails, feedback, and chat board messages in complete, coherent, and informative sentences. Being misunderstood is tantamount to being left behind, so avoid abbreviations, slang, or emojis (and if you can, spell-check often).

Leverage your networks and campus resources

Just because students aren’t on campus anymore, doesn’t mean that many of the resources available to them before aren’t any more. They know they’re not the only student in the class (even if it feels that way sometimes), and there are likely common struggles. Reaching out to classmates and seeing if they’re struggling with similar things is big. And there are tools like Google Hangout and Microsoft Teams, as well as interfaces in Blackboard that are designed to help. Faculty are also still available to you through e-mail and other ways to connect that they have already established.

As a reminder, Brainfuse’s online tutoring site is still available to all students 24/7 through the link that is part of each class on Blackboard, and Cengage offers supports through each specific course text as well. All of the college’s Supportive Services are also working digitally to support as well, and they can be reached via email at the following locations:

  ACT 101: ACT101@ccbc.edu
  Supportive Services:  Supportive.Services@ccbc.edu
  KEYS Program:   Keys@ccbc.edu
 Student Success Center:    Student.Success@ccbc.edu 

FOR PARENTs

(Credit to Dr. Lauren Zapanta, faculty member from the University of Pittsburgh and mom to college students for some of these insights – read more at https://grownandflown.com/advice-college-students-schools-closed/)

Online classes don’t mean a “break” or “less work”

Your student is still carrying a full course load and class schedule. That means that they will have competing responsibilities. They may not be able to supervise younger siblings all day, drop off groceries for Grandma, or take care of all of your errands. That’s not to say they shouldn’t help with things around the house. It’s fair to expect your college students to empty the dishwasher, help with the laundry, etc. But make sure that you are making requests when they are truly available and respect their schedule.

realize they are under a lot of stress

We are entering the most stressful time of the semester with final projects, papers, and course material that is at its peak difficulty. We are asking them to navigate new online systems that they may not have used before. On top of that they have been displaced from their normal routine, their social interactions, their campus resources, etc. And all of these realities are in the context of the challenges we all face from the COVID-19 outbreak. Be aware that emotions may be running high, and that they need support through this time.

Appreciate that they may have really odd schedules

While they’ve been living at home and you may have a good idea of their time commitments, those may now have to change. It may be the case that they’ll have to schedule a meeting with group project members at 9 or 10 pm, and their prime study times might be during family dinner, or late-night. Help them maintain the rhythm that they set for themselves, and remind them to stick to it and keep up on their deadlines, without hovering of course. As best you can, let them do what works for them and remind them to shut the lights off when they finally do go to sleep.

Discourage them from getting together with local college and old high school friends.

If you have a social butterfly at home, they are going to want to be with others. But the whole reason that we are doing this is to keep people apart. Reassure them that in a few weeks, when the coronavirus cases start to decline, they will be able to go out and do things with friends. For now, stay home as much as possible. And (we never thought we’d say this) encourage social interaction through the phone that’s always attached to their hands for the immediate future.

CCBC Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

The Community College of Beaver County continues to monitor the global spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), which the World Health Organization has now classified as a pandemic. Our campus has officially closed for the health and safety of all. CCBC is now virtual and ready to serve you. All classes resume online as of March 19. 

Effective Thursday, March 19, at 8:00 a.m., CCBC will conduct all classes online through April 10. Though it is a shortened week, full instruction will be offered to keep us on track and you progressing towards graduation day.

Students must log-in to Blackboard and sign-in to class on Thursday and Friday. At that point, they should expect to hear directly from faculty regarding continued instruction of their courses. Current online courses will continue as usual.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Nursing clinical assignments are also canceled for the week of March 16. A Blackboard announcement will be posted on Monday for all students enrolled in the School of Health Sciences with further instructions.
   
• If your student has lab-based courses this semester, their faculty member will contact them directly to complete their coursework at a future date and time.
   
• Students in the James M. Johnson School of Aviation Sciences can continue to fly, but are encouraged to speak directly with their flight school regarding their policies and procedures.
   
• High School Academy students should look for additional information from their faculty.

The success of our students is our success. To complete spring courses online, your student needs to have access to a computer and to the internet. If technology access is preventing them from completing their studies, urge them to please complete this form. We will do everything we can to help during this time, and please encourage them to to inform the faculty if they need additional support. Our faculty will be flexible with them!

As always, the safety, health and well-being of our campus community is the top priority. If your student hasn’t done so already, make sure that they sign up for RAVE emergency alerts at https://my.ccbc.edu/ics.

We will continue to provide additional updates as needed, but students and parents are strongly encouraged to check www.ccbc.edu/coronavirus on a regular basis, as the situation has been changing hour by hour and day by day.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION STUDENTS

All Spring 2020 semester classes in Continuing Education have been canceled.  Continuing Education will still accept registrations for the following classes:  EMT-Basic, Modern Retirement Planning, and Wastewater Treatment Operator. Please check with the department to confirm the start dates for these three classes. 

WAYS TO CONTACT CCBC SERVICE DEPARTMENTS: 

Enrolling for Summer or Fall: 724-480-3504; register@ccbc.edu; or visit https://www.ccbc.edu/admissions

Financial Aid: 724-480-3501; financial.aid@ccbc.edu; or visit https://www.ccbc.edu/financialaid

Paying tuition or Financial Aid Refunds: 724-480-3396; cashier@ccbc.edu

Information Technology: 724-480-3399; helpdesk@ccbc.edu; or visit https://ccbc.zendesk.com

Academics: 724-480-3388; 

High School Academy: 724-480-3388; highschoolacademies@ccbc.edu; or visit http://pub.ccbc.edu/HS_Academy/index.html

Community Education programming: 724-480-3452; or visit https://www.ccbc.edu/community-education

Facility Rentals: 724-480-3562; rentals@ccbc.edu; or visit https://www.ccbc.edu/rentals

JOIN US IN THE MARCH TO HEALTH AT CCBC!

Each year, millions of people make a commitment to live a healthier lifestyle for their New Year’s resolution…..and sometimes those resolutions are out the window by the time Valentine’s Day (and the chocolates that go with it) roll around. Luckily, March is National Nutrition Month, and at CCBC we’re on the March to Health all month long! Our students will have the chance to participate in activities and events that highlight healthy choices, including picking up a CCBC Pedometer at the Student Activities Center. The College is also proud to partner with Heritage Valley Health System on their annual Healthy Foods and Wellness Expo later this month, and invite all CCBC families to attend. With that said, we wanted to share a few quick-tips to help the entire family.

When you eat, be present and just eat!

This may seem a little counter-intuitive, but pulling your phone out, watching TV or trying to do anything else while you’re eating is actually not a beneficial practice. When you multi-task, you’re not often thinking about how much, or how quickly, you are eating. Both of those can lead to unhappy endings. When you can, eat with intention, slowly enjoying the food and noting flavors, textures, temperatures and the environment. You can avoid that bloated, uncomfortable feeling after a meal this way, and may even see some happier results if you’re watching weight.

Use Physical Activity for More than just Exercise

While it is true that many experts claim that 25 to 30 minutes of at least moderate exercise per day is a key to sustaining health, those experts don’t tell you that it has to be on a treadmill or in a gym. Use the need to exercise as an excuse for extended family time, or as a means to re-connect with friends. Things like taking a dance class, going for a hike or bike ride, or joining a neighborhood dog-walk group can quickly shift from a way to get exercise in to an important part of your social life. You can even try to rope other family members in on the action, and have a shared activity time together.

Look for Small Swaps to make a Big impact

When it comes to dieting, people often think that means drastic changes are necessary — but that’s often not the best, or most sustainable way to pursue long-term healthy choices! As you start this National Nutrition Month, take stock of what you find yourself eating often. Are there things that occur often throughout a day or week? If you’re an ice cream connoisseur, try switching out for Greek Yogurt every other time you go for that container — or take a look at whole-grain starch options that can take the place of some of those less nutrient-laden breads and pastas that are based in white flour.

And we can’t say this one enough – water is your friend! Take the chance to swap one soda or juice per day for a water – if that works, try it again with a second non-water beverage. Increasing your water intake can not only help control weight, but also improve many other aspects of health, like hair and skin health, keeping your blood pressure normalized, and much more.

Treat Yourself, but realize it’s more than just a food thing

We all have those comfort foods that we love, even though we know they may not be the best for us (please keep us far away from the pizza and anything featuring peanut butter and chocolate….). Making healthy choices doesn’t mean abandoning those foods forever! It also doesn’t mean binge-ing on all of them in order to treat yourself for achievements or accomplishments. You can certainly enjoy all of them in moderation, but think outside of the box when it comes to those things that help you celebrate knocking out that to-do list or making your goal. Include other things, like time with friends, an extra hour of sleep (or a mini-Netflix marathon), or going to an event or experience in your arsenal of ways to celebrate a good day.

Realize that Technology can be your friend on the journey

As often as technology is decried as something that can be harmful to holistic health, we often forget how useful it can be as a support and accountability mechanism. There are great apps that can help track food consumption, as keeping a food diary can be a key tool to help understand just what we are eating (and how much). And if you’re in a grocery store undecided between two options, there are also resources available that can compare food products’ nutritional information and make a recommendation based on eating plans that the user defines. These are all in addition to the fitness trackers that have swept the nation, like FitBit, Garmin watches, and more. If you make the affirmative choice about how you’ll use the technology (and not go down the social media rabbit hole that keeps you on the couch), the sky can be the limit!

THE 2020 CENSUS IS COMING – MAKE SURE THAT #CCBCCOUNTS

Once at the beginning of each decade, the federal government does the important work of getting an accurate count of the population of our nation, and an accurate listing of where individuals live. This year, Census Day is April 1, 2020 — this means that when you receive the Census, you should report where you live based on where you are living on that date! While The US Census is required in the Constitution, there are incredibly important reasons for each and every one of us to participate in and complete the Census that impact our lives on an everyday basis. When you get your invitations to participate throughout this month, keep these points in mind.

Why Participate? Ensure Fair Representation in our government.

Neighborhoods change over time, and the Census makes note of these demographic changes and reports the statistics. This data is then used to determine how many seats each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives. Pennsylvania currently has 18 Congressional representatives. We used to have 19, but lost a seat after the 2010 Census.

Additionally, state officials use the statistics produced by the decennial census to redraw U.S. congressional and state legislative districts. On the state level, the representatives who come from the re-drawn districts are the ones who vote on the Pennsylvania budget, where CCBC receives a significant portion of our funding. So making sure we have a fair number of representatives matters!

WHY PARTICIPATE? so that we get our fair share of over $600 Billion

Each year, Census data are used to decide how $675 billion in federal public funding is spent every year. Pennsylvania gets $26.8 billion annually through our 16 largest federally-funded programs. That’s about $2,000 per Beaver County resident each year! These numbers may change based on our 2020 Census data. If we aren’t counted accurately, our region may receive inadequate funding for key programs, including in healthcare, food security, transportation , housing and more.

Federal dollars also directly support financial aid programs like Pell Grants and the Federal Work Study Program, both of which help keep college affordable for our students! Ensuring that we are accurately counted is key to our ability to continue to provide low-expense educational opportunities to our students.

WHY PARTICIPATE? Ensure that our future is planned for properly

When it comes to setting long-term strategies, like highway construction, building of schools and hospitals, natural disaster planning and more, the federal government relies on Census data. They use the information to ensure that they are investing in areas that need the resources based on the relative age, size, and growth pattern of the population of people who live there. If they don’t have an accurate count, those planners may make critical errors in considering those key resources, and leave citizens without the tools and access that they need to thrive.

How to Complete? Three ways available

This year, the US Census Bureau is providing three different ways for citizens to make sure that they are accurately counted in the Census efforts. When you receive your materials (they will either be delivered by US Mail, or left at your door by a Census employee (also called an enumerator). you can either:

Complete it via Mail

Complete it over the Phone

Complete it Online

This year, the Census Bureau developed a new online completion tool that will help provide an easy way for citizens to provide accurate information to the Bureau with only a few clicks and keystrokes. Regardless of how you participate, be sure that you do so we know that #CCBCCounts!

READ MORE: How to Respond to the 2020 Census

READ MORE: The Difference Your Answers Make in Our Community

DON’T LET YOUR STUDENT “FALL” BEHIND – REGISTRATION FOR FALL 2020 CLASSES OPENS SOON!

Don’t Fear – Fall Registration can be a fun process!

It’s hard to believe but the calendar has already turned to March, and on campus we’re getting ready to begin the registration process for the 2020-21 Academic Year and Fall Semester! There are several key dates for students that relate to registration for Fall semester, and those dates are:

Early Registration for eligible Veteran Students…….. Monday, March 9
Registration open for returning students………………. Monday, March 16
Registration open for new students………………………. Monday, March 23
Deadline for returning students to apply for PHEAA
state grant……………………………………………………………..Friday, May 1

When it comes to the registration process, we wanted to remind you of a few key points that can help your student navigate the process.

KEY POINT 1 – Schedules are available BEFORE registration opens!

If students want to know what classes will be offered in the fall that will help them finish their major, or when a specific class of interest is offered to fit their work schedule, that information is already available to them! When students log into my.ccbc.edu, they can click on the Course Schedules link on the home page, and that will direct them to the course search mechanism, where they can see what classes will be offered in the fall. This way, they can start to build their preferred schedule ahead of the first day to make those formal commitments.

KEY POINT 2- Using the Degree Audit simplifies the process considerably.

Is your student unsure of what they have left to take in order to complete their academic program? Do they want to find out whether or not a particular course fits one of their academic requirements? Using our college Degree Audit is the best way for them to find out. Students can access their Degree Audit through my.ccbc.edu, and can refer to this how-to guide if they’re unsure: Degree Audit How-To. If students are unsure of whether a particular course may fit a general education requirement, or belongs to a particular TAOC category, they can refer to the CCBC College Catalog, which has the most up-to-date information on those sorts of details.

KEY POINT 3 – Major changes are MAJOR changes…Connect with Counseling

While they are welcome to do so, after their first semester at CCBC students are not required to meet with a counselor or faculty advisor in order to schedule courses for subsequent terms, so long as they stay in their majors. However, if they are considering changing their major, or even their school of study, they are required to meet with a member of our counseling team in order to ensure that they meet the varied academic requirements of the program they are looking to join, as well as what the revised academic plan and load will be for them going forward! If they do change their program, students also need to meet with the Financial Aid office in order to make sure they maintain their eligibility for their current financial aid programs.

KEY POINT 4 – The earlier they schedule, the better balanced they’ll be

While life can sometimes present challenges that may make scheduling for classes this early unrealistic, the benefits for students far outweigh the pitfalls. Many course sections fill up quickly once the registration window opens, and waiting too long can make the difference between getting the class you needed to finish, or waiting another semester. It can also allow for the greatest flexibility in the actual days and times of courses, which may allow for a better balance of work and academic life for those students who are holding a job while studying with us. And they can also know that their schedule is set, which is one less thing to have on the to-do list (which we know is never-ending, but at least it’s one less thing, right? 🙂 ).

KEY POINT 5 – Yep, it’s the fafsa thing again…

We know that we’ve been harping on this a lot, but it really is imperative that returning students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (a.k.a. the FAFSA) as soon as they’re able to. At CCBC, payment is required at the time of registration; without a complete FAFSA on file, the Financial Aid office will not be able to provide students with accurate descriptions of the aid available too them, which could cause a number of different issues for students and families. We’ve provided some tips and tricks for students and families about completing the FAFSA in the last few editions of the Parent Newsletter – be sure to refer to those for more details!

Figuring out the FAFSA from CCBC Parent News

Four Financial Aid Myths and Tips from CCBC Parent News

BEATING THE WINTER BLUES – Tips for Students (and Parents!)

Winter weather in Beaver County can often mean long stretches without seeing the sun, snowy conditions that can make getting around a real challenge, and sustained cold that can lead folks to stay in and keep warm. That kind of combination can lead to some serious winter blues! As we come through the dog days of the season, here are a few ideas for ways that you can help keep your well-being in check while the temperatures are still low.

Manage your Sleep Schedule

We all know that seven to eight hours of sleep are recommended to keep our bodies and minds functioning well. However, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to this seasonal fluxuation.

College student’s schedules can be unconventional, with some students sleeping odd hours, or well into the daytime if their work shifts dis-locate more usual sleep time. This sleep-wake schedule limits the number of hours that those with the winter blues are exposed to sunlight. Winter blues sufferers should make an effort to expose themselves to sunlight in the early morning if at all possible. Take a walk outside or lift the curtain in your room as soon as you rise. Also, try to limit sleep to 8-hour periods on a regular schedule. Oversleeping and fluctuation in sleep/wake schedule causes increases in levels of melatonin during sleep, which can contribute to feelings of depression. Set a regular bedtime and wake up at the same time each day. This will give you more energy during the day and reduce feelings of depression.

Make sure to Move!

Aerobic exercise has proven to help combat feeling of the blues in the winter. Not only does aerobic exercise improve mood, but it also has been shown to reduce stress, which often exacerbates feelings of depression brought on by the winter blues. Studies have shown that one hour aerobic exercise outside (even with cloudy skies overhead) has the same benefits as 2.5 hours of using a light/dawn simulator treatment indoors. Aerobic exercise also rids winter blues sufferers from feelings of depression because it increases serotonin levels. Briskly walking to classes, taking a run, skiing, sledding and having a snowball fight have all been proven to help suffers of the blues feel better.

NOTE YOUR NUTRITION

When we think winter, we often think of those warm, gooey, decadent comfort foods like mac-‘n-cheese, soup in a bread bowl, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and more. While we would never tell anyone to totally abandon those treats you love (and no, we aren’t sharing ours thank you very much), experts agree that moderating how much you take in can help keep you mentally balanced. More junk or comfort food intakes can help in the short term, but can also cause an emotional roller-coaster with the spikes and drops of seratonin that go with them. Moderate your intake, and lean toward complex carbohydrates that can give a more sustained approach. Also – don’t be afraid to put on a pot of coffee! Researchers have found that consistent coffee intake (around 3-4 cups per day, maximum) can lead to a reduced risk of depression.

WASH your hands

We get it – this one seems odd. But there is reason to believe it! Psychologist Ellen Hendriksen, PhD said it best this way: ” This seems an odd way to improve your mood, but you’re more susceptible to depressive symptoms after a viral illness, and handwashing is the best way to avoid the cold or flu (besides a flu shot, which you should also get).” If we can keep ourselves healthy through the season, our mental health has one less thing to be stressed over.

get out and be social

We know that it’s winter, and that there are sometimes less opportunities to go out and do fun things, but that doesn’t mean that social life should totally cease to exist, for students or parents! Take advantage of indoor opportunities that can keep you warm while you do them, like going to the movies, hosting a game night, or going out to dinner with friends. If the allure of your own warm home and your favorite blanket/Snuggie are too tempting (we won’t judge), think about trying a digital hang-out with friends as you all watch the same movie or show, or talk about the same book from the comforts of your own homes. Some individuals have found great ways to still be socially connected through having group-text message threads or Skyping their core besties while reacting to reality TV shows like American Idol, The Bachelor, Survivor and more. Keep that connection up and your general mood will follow.

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

While CCBC prides itself on delivering a high-quality education for a relatively low pricepoint, we know that helping families find ways to keep college affordable is key to students’ long-term success on campus. That is why the CCBC Foundation is committed to its work in raising scholarship dollars that are available to students to support their academic endeavors at the college, and we are proud to partner with other outside organizations that provide and share scholarship opportunities as well.

CCBC FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

The CCBC Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2020-21 academic year, with any awarded scholarships being awarded in students’ Fall 2020 financial aid packages.

The CCBC Foundation holds a variety of scholarships both for programs and books, as well as endowed scholarships in trust from our generous donors. CCBC students (or prospective students) can complete an online application form at www.ccbcfoundation.org/scholarships to apply for scholarships through the CCBC Foundation. Upon completion of the form the CCBC Foundation matches applicants with any scholarships for which they are eligible. If any additional information is required to complete the selection process, the CCBC Foundation will reach out to applicants in order to make sure they are fully considered. All scholarship recipients will be notified by July 31, 2020.

Any questions regarding CCBC Foundation Scholarships can be directed to Mr. Kolt Codner, Assistant Vice President for Presidential Initiatives, Chief of Staff and Executive Director of the CCBC Foundation via email (FoundationInfo@ccbc.edu | 724-480-3460)

CCBC HONORS SCHOLARSHIP (HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES ONLY)

Do you have a high-achieving high school senior at home who is looking to challenge themselves academically as they start their college career? If so, the CCBC Honors Scholarship may be the right fit for them!

A last-dollar scholarship (applied after all other gift aid) that covers all in-county tuition and fees (excluding flight or course-specific fees), the CCBC Honors Scholarship is designed to provide students with a challenging college experience that will prepare them for an ever-changing professional world that requires globally-minded competencies.

Our Honors Scholarship application process to select the recipients for the 2019-20 academic year led to a robust candidate pool and a highly decorated recipient group from across Beaver County. They averaged a high school GPA of 4.13 and a class rank in the 91st percentile. Those recipients just completed a successful first semester on campus averaging a 3.89 GPA, and completing an average of 13 hours of community service each. Key components of the scholarship are :

• The Scholarship is open to graduating seniors from Beaver County high schools who reside in Beaver County and who have earned a 3.0 GPA in high school. Current CCBC students who have already graduated high school are not eligible.
• It is a last-dollar scholarship (awarded after all gift or grant aid) that fully covers in-county tuition and fees (excluding course-specific or flight fees).
• Selected students are expected to be full participants in the CCBC Honors Program, an academically challenging and enriching experience designed to drive students to further success beyond CCBC.
• The scholarship runs for two consecutive semesters (not including summer semesters), and is renewable for a second academic year (if students maintain a 3.0 GPA, and complete required service and personal enhancement hours).
• Applications are competitively reviewed by a committee of CCBC faculty and employees, assessing academic service, and leadership abilities of candidates to determine recipients.
• Students who apply but are not selected for the scholarship may still be invited to join the Honors Program if they matriculate to CCBC to begin their higher education journey.

Any questions about the CCBC Honors Scholarship can be directed to Colin Sisk, Director of Student Life (colin.sisk@ccbc.edu | 724-480-3630)

pittsburgh foundation scholarships

Our friends at The Pittsburgh Foundation have several scholarships available for the 2020-21 academic year. Through the generosity of donors, The Pittsburgh Foundation and manages one of the most robust foundation-led scholarship programs in the country. Each year, they work with donors and committees to oversee more than 325 scholarship funds, awarding approximately $2.8 million in scholarships annually to students throughout the United States. 

Scholarships vary, and include specific awards based on academic programs pursued, personal background, record of achievement, future plans, and more. And there are scholarships available for both new high-school graduates and returning undergraduate students, many only requiring a minimum 2.0 GPA to be eligible. Most scholarship deadlines for The Pittsburgh Foundation are coming soon, so be sure to urge your student to review the available opportunities as soon as possible.

FAQ’s about Pittsburgh Foundation Scholarships

How to Apply for Scholarships through The Pittsburgh Foundation

Learn more about the opportunities that are available!

FIGURING OUT THE FAFSA – A #FinAidFeb Feature

It’s time to talk about the FAFSA, otherwise known as the five letter word that strikes fear into the hearts of college-bound students and their parents across America each year. While the Free Application for Federal Student Aid can seem like a unwieldy behemoth of a form to complete, it is the key to unlocking a vast array of options that help make college more affordable for students, from both the federal, state, and local government levels, and even the institutional level. As we come down the stretch of #FinAidFeb, we wanted to make sure to share some of the most important tips and tricks to making the FAFSA completion process as easy as possible, in order to help you and your student maximize what is available to them.

APPLY EARLY

The FAFSA’s impact is not just limited to federal aid. Many states, as well as colleges and universities, use the tool to help determine students’ eligibility for a wide number of programs. Many of those opportunities may have limited funding available, or specific deadlines, so the sooner that the form is completed, the more aid that a student can be eligible for.

PRO TIP : TAXES NOT IN YET? NOT A PROBLEM!

While past versions of the FAFSA often required students to go back in and update estimated figures after tax returns for the previous year were complete, that is no longer the case. The FAFSA now requires tax data from two years prior to the submitting year. Click here to see more about the impact of prior-prior year tax requirements.

KNOW WHAT IS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE FORM, BUT….

One of the keys to being able to complete the FAFSA in one sitting is making sure that your student has all of the relevant documents that will have the data that is needed to complete the form. Those data points include

• Your students’ Social Security number
• Driver’s license (if they have it)
• W-2 Forms from 2 years prior (2018)
• Their (and/or your) Federal Income Tax Return
• Any untaxed income (payments to tax-deferred pension)
• Records of any Federal Work Study taxable earnings
• Any Grants, Scholarships or Fellowship aid included in family 2018 adjusted Gross Income (2018)
• Documentation of permanent resident or eligible non-citizen status (if applicable)

While these documents are key, there is a tool that can help simplify the completion process.

USE THE TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE TO YOU

The paper-based FAFSA application presents itself as an incredibly complicated document, that often leaves students and parents more confused than informed about what is required. That’s why using the online FAFSA application is a strongly recommended way to take some of the hassle out of the process. Not only will the information will be processed more quickly, the online tool is designed to catch common errors and assist applicants along the way, using logic-based design to only show relevant questions.

Using the online tool also provides applicants with another simplifying asset, the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. The tool is an easy, fast and accurate way to ensure that your student is providing the most accurate information regarding both their and your income levels, and takes much of the guess-work and digging through old files out of the equation. The process is secure, and the private information is not actually displayed on either the IRS or FAFSA websites.

KNOW THE ERRORS TO AVOID

While there are many great tools available to assist applicants, the biggest issue that applicants often face are the common mistakes that can either delay your application or limit the amount of aid they are eligible to receive. To avoid those errors, make sure you and your student are aware of the most common errors, which include:

• Leaving blank fields: Too many blanks may cause miscalculations and an application rejection. Enter a ‘0’ or ‘not applicable’ instead of leaving a blank.
• Using commas or decimal points in numeric fields: Always round to the nearest dollar.
• Listing an incorrect Social Security Number or driver’s license number: Double-­check and triple-­check these entries to ensure accuracy. If your parents do not have Social Security Numbers, list 000‐00-­0000. Do not make up a number or include a Taxpayer Identification Number.
• Failing to use legal name: Applicant and parent names must be listed on the FAFSA as they appears on Social Security cards. Don’t enter nicknames or other variations on names.
• Entering the wrong address: Don’t enter a temporary campus or summer address as a permanent address.
• Entering the wrong federal income tax paid amount: This amount is on income tax return forms from two years prior, not W‐2 form(s). 
• Listing Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as equal to total income from working: AGI and total income from working are not necessarily the same. In most cases, the AGI is larger than the total income from working.
• Incorrectly filing income taxes as head of household: If there is an error in the head of household filing status, the school will need an amended tax return to be filed with the IRS before paying out aid awards.
• Listing marital status incorrectly: The Department of Education wants to know your marital status on the day you sign the FAFSA. If you are in a legally recognized same-­sex marriage, you will need to provide your spouse’s information as well.
• Listing parent marital status incorrectly: If your custodial parent has remarried, you’ll need to include the stepparent’s information on the FAFSA. If you have two parents in a legally­‐recognized same-­sex marriage, you’ll need to list both parents (one as Parent 1, and one as Parent 2)
• Failure to list both parents if they live together: If both legal parents (defined as biological or adoptive parents) live in the same household, applicants are required to list both parents on the FAFSA even if they are not married.
• Failure to report unborn children: If applicants have a child that will be born before or during the award year and you will provide the child with more than half of his or her support, count that child as a member of the household.
• Failing to count yourself as a student: The student completing the FAFSA must count himself or herself as a member of the household attending college during the award year.
• Failing to register with Selective Service: If applicants are a male, aged 18 to 26, theymust register with Selective Service. Failure to register will make you ineligible for federal student aid.
• Forgetting to list the college: Obtain the Federal School Code for the college applicants plan on attending and list it along with any other schools they’ve applied to attend.
• Sending in a copy of your income tax returns: Applicants do not need to include a copy of tax returns with their FAFSA. Any information sent with the FAFSA will be destroyed. In addition, do not write any notes in the margins of the FAFSA.

Making The Headlines: CCBC’s Yazid Powell Honors the Life of Kobe Bryant

On January 26, 2020, the world lost a sporting icon with the tragic death of Kobe Bryant at the age of 41. The helicopter crash that took the lives of nine people, including Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, sent particular shockwaves throughout the basketball community, rippling through our CCBC community as well. Bryant was a Philadelphia native, and 11 of our men’s basketball student-athletes hail from the City of Brotherly Love, including freshman guard Yazid Powell.

While anyone who has roots in the Philadelphia basketball community has an affection for, and often a story about Bryant, Powell’s emotional connection to Bryant was profound. “Kobe was my favorite player all my life,” said Powell. “It’s tragic how he died. I literally busted out crying when I heard. It hurt me.”

As the team prepared for its game on Monday the 27th, they found the way that they could best commemorate the tragedy, and that was to let Yazid be Yazid. Bryant had many memorable moments in his storied career, but none more electrifying than his career-high night scoring 81 points, the second-most in a single game in NBA history. That number became the team’s, and Yazid’s, focus for the game. His teammate Chris Greene gave up his own number 24 jersey for the night’s game, swapping with Powell so that he could go for 81 in one of the numbers retired in Bryant’s honor.

That night, Powell accomplished what he set out to do, notching his 81 points on a blazing 67% shooting percentage from the field, including a scorching-hot 7-17 night (41%) from behind the three-point line. His accomplishments were celebrated across the sporting world, as outlets like ESPN, Sport Illustrated, Bleacher Report, and more lauded Powell’s achievements on the court in memory of his idol. Congratulations to Yazid, and to all of our CCBC Titans for supporting their teammate’s accomplishment of an incredibly worthy goal!

READ MORE:

Philadelphia Inquirer: Yazid Powell pulls off the ultimate Kobe tribute, scores 81 points in a junior college game | Mike Jensen

Beaver County Times: CCBC’s Yazid Powell honors Kobe Bryant’s legacy by scoring 81 points in a game

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: CCBC freshman Yazid Powell scores 81 points in honor of late Kobe Bryant

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Community College of Beaver County’s Yazid Powell pays tribute to Kobe Bryant with 81-point performance