Highland Community College’s “Scottie Gold” initiative won an Innovation and Access Award from the Rural Community College Alliance.
Scottie Gold is a program for students who may have taken classes at Highland Community College in the past, but their education has been put on hold. The program provides up to 12 credit hours tuition-free to help students complete a degree and includes personalized advising, streamlined re-enrollment and scholarships to help eliminate financial barriers.
Students may qualify if they have:
- Earned 48+ credit hours from any college or university, with at least 4 credit hours earned from HCC
- Have a 2.0 grade-point average or better
- Are in good academic, disciplinary and financial standing
- Have not been enrolled for 12 consecutive months at any institution
- Must maintain continuous enrollment for up to two years
- Have not graduated with a degree from HCC
The program was revamped from a previous re-entry program in 2024.
More About the Scottie Gold Initiative
RCCA's annual awards highlight the people and institutions doing work that strengthens rural community colleges and expands their ability to create opportunities. This year's recipients represent the breadth of that work -- including leadership, innovation, workforce development, access and meaningful community partnerships.
The Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) is dedicated exclusively to the interests of rural community colleges and the students they serve. RCCA provides a collective voice for rural institutions through advocacy, collaboration, shared ideas and partnerships, with a focus on the unique needs and opportunities facing rural America.