Gorge Scholars

What is Gorge Scholars?

Gorge Scholars is a tuition waiver program designed to support eligible high school graduates, home school completers, and military veterans. Preference will be given to applicants who completed their high school-level education within CGCC's service area, which Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wheeler, and Wasco counties, Oregon, and Klickitat and Skamania counties, Washington.

What is included?

Gorge Scholars receive full tuition waivers for up to 18 credits per term, for up to two years. Books, fees and miscellaneous expenses are not included. 

How do I apply?

  1. Check your eligibility in the chart below
  2. Apply for admission to CGCC
  3. Complete and submit the Gorge Scholars application and necessary documentation by 5 pm on Friday, April 19, 2024

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must meet all of the requirements for one of the following applicant types:

  • Completed high school within 6 months of the start of fall term 2024, AND
  • Successful completion of 3 years of Math with Algebra I or higher, or an equivalent approved dual-credit program, AND
  • Successful completion of 4 years of English/Language Arts, or an equivalent approved dual-credit program, AND
  • Successful completion of 3 years of Science, or an equivalent approved dual-credit program, AND
  • Minimum high school GPA of 3.30, AND
  • Unofficial high school transcript documenting the above AND
  • Copy of your resume or activities list

If you completed a dual-credit program, you must also submit a transcript from the college where you completed the credit, unless it was completed at CGCC. Students who completed dual-credit at CGCC do not need to submit additional documentation of the dual-credit program.

  • Completed homeschool within 6 months of the start of fall term 2024, AND
  • ESD verification letter, AND
  • Official transcript documenting one of the following:
    • ACT with a score of 27 or higher, OR
    • SAT with a score of 1200 or higher AND
  • Copy of your resume or activities list

  • Completed the GED® test within 6 months of the start of fall term 2024, AND
  • Submit a GED® test transcript showing successful completion within the timeframe
  • Copy of your resume or activities list

  • Entered the military within 3 months of completing your high school-level education AND
  • Discharged from the military within 6 months of the start of fall term 2024, AND
  • Provide a DD-214 documenting the above AND
  • Copy of your resume or activities list

How will I know if I have been accepted to the program?

  • Applications will be reviewed after the submission deadline.
  • Notification of acceptance or non-acceptance will be sent to all applicants by May 3, 2024.
  • Up to 12 applicants will be awarded.
  • Recipients must accept their award by Friday, May 17, 2024 or their place in the program will be given to an applicant on the waitlist.

How do I maintain eligibility in the program?

In order to maintain eligibility in the Gorge Scholars program for up to two years, students must:

  • Continuously enroll in fall, winter and spring terms in at least 12 credits; and
  • Maintain a CGCC cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better by the end of each academic year; and
  • Participate in the CGCC Gorge Scholars program. Gorge Scholars requirements include, but are not limited to: lead campus tours, assist at new student days and other student activities, help the CGCC high school outreach team, and other student engagement needs. This program has a Gorge Scholars advisor who is available throughout your time in the program and there will be a leadership training during the summer. This program is a great way to become involved on campus, meet new people, while helping prospective and new students.