Walla Walla Community College invites new students from around the region to join the Warrior Pledge program, which covers tuition and fees
After launching in six counties last fall, Walla Walla Community College is expanding its Warrior Pledge pilot program to include new students from 15 counties in Washington, Oregon and Idaho who otherwise could not afford to attend college.
Designed to be a “last dollar” program, the Warrior Pledge complements other financial aid grants and programs, such as the Pell Grant, by providing students with the additional funding needed to pay the balance of their tuition.
“Our mission is to make sure that our students have access to academic or workforce education, regardless of their financial need,” said Dr. Chad Hickox, WWCC President. “The Warrior Pledge program is designed to make sure that the cost of tuition is not a barrier to college. If you are a new student who wants to attend Walla Walla Community College, our Warrior Pledge has you covered.”
The Warrior Pledge program prioritizes recent high school graduates and those who have not attended college previously. The program is designed to serve the needs of all students, but in particular those with no family history of attending college, low-income students and students of color.
The program is now open to residents of the following counties:
- In Washington: Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield and Walla Walla.
- In Idaho: Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce.
- In Oregon: Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa
Those who are interested in attending WWCC this fall are urged to visit the Warrior Pledge website, complete an application for admission, and submit their FAFSA or WASFA, if eligible, to the college by the priority deadline of July 1. Students will automatically be screened for the funding and notified by August 1. Students are also invited to call Melissa Holecek, 509-524-5208.
WWCC launched a Warrior Pledge pilot program in fall 2022, offering financial assistance to more than 40 students in its first year. Thanks to generous private donations to the Walla Walla Community College Foundation, the Warrior Pledge makes it possible for students to earn a two-year certificate or degree with their tuition and educational fees fully covered through graduation. Warrior Pledge scholarships do not need to be paid back. The Foundation is seeking additional support to strengthen and grow the Warrior Pledge program for the long term.
Amanda Orcutt enrolled at Walla Walla Community College last fall after taking five years off from college to recover from a rare and debilitating physical condition. She learned from an advisor that she qualified to be a member of the first Warrior Pledge class and has completed her first year at WWCC. Her plan is to transfer her credits to Whitman College after completing the second year.
“I felt as though I won the lottery, and I did,” Orcutt said. Knowing that two-years of her community college tuition is covered, she added, “just takes the anxiety out.”