As a way to help students who may be financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hinds Community College in central Mississippi is offering free classes this summer semester.
Hinds announced it is planning to use federal coronavirus relief money to cover the costs of tuition, books, and other fees associated with the tuition-free summer program.
According to the school’s press release, current and dual-enrolled students, transferees, transient students, and high school graduates are eligible to apply.
The community college initiative is offering students up to 12 credits of in-person or online courses.
Hinds, however, clarified that the housing and meal plans of those partaking in the program will not be covered.
How Can Students Enroll In the Program?
Interested students will need to fill out an application form, submit official high school transcripts and ACT scores, and register for classes.
New or returning students who have not attended Hinds for at least one semester must be advised by a counselor before registering.
Current students, excluding those who are dual-enrolled, may register for classes through ‘My.Hinds,’ the college’s student portal.
Registration for summer 2021 is open until the first day of classes on June 1.
Other Universities Launch Tuition-Free Programs
Amid the ongoing health crisis, several other higher education institutions in the US have launched beneficial programs for students from low-income families.
Ferris State University in Michigan announced in March that it is offering a tuition-free program to students who are seeking their first associate or bachelor’s degree.
“The pandemic has hit families particularly hard. Some students come from single-parent households, and those are the students we’re trying to help,” the school’s Financial Aid Office Coordinator and Advisor Melanie Mulder told 9 & 10 News. “It’s just a perfect time to lend a hand to those families that were struck hard by the pandemic.”
The University of Minnesota in February also introduced a tuition-free program for undergraduate students who come from families earning $50,000 or less per year.
The institution vowed to cover tuition costs that can reach up to $13,318 per year.