Recent high school graduates can LEAP into college with free tuition, books and a new laptop

Recent high school graduates can get a head start on college with Tidewater Community College’s LEAP (Learn. Explore. Accelerate. Persevere.) program.

Students looking to start college sooner, lighten the fall course load or shorten the time to degree completion can benefit from TCC’s LEAP program.

Eligible students must earn their high school diplomas or GEDs between January and June of 2023. Once in the program, students receive a LEAP scholarship to cover tuition and books. In addition, students taking 6 or more credits are eligible to receive a free new laptop.

LEAP students can take 3-12 credits during Summer Session and apply the credits toward their TCC program or transfer the credits to their four-year school.

Students can participate in Summer Session during five time periods, each designed to meet individual student needs. They include a 10-week session starting on May 22, an early 7-week session starting May 22, a late 7-week session starting June 5, an early 5-week session starting May 22, and a late 5-week session starting July 5.

Students may also apply to continue at TCC for Fall Semester 2023 and complete up to an additional 12 credits using scholarship funds. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who are already committed to a four-year school for the fall are eligible to transfer credits

Students interested in LEAP can apply by visiting here. For more information, email enroll@tcc.edu or call the Virtual Student Support Team at 757-822-1111.

TCC welcomes more students back to its campuses this summer

Tidewater Community College will scale up face-to-face instruction and staff availability on all campuses with the start of Summer Session in May.

A total of 25% of courses will be offered with in-person instruction in compliance with state and federal health guidelines. Priority is being given to programs that require hands-on instruction including the health professions, skilled trades, chemistry, automotive and music.

“We’re confident that the protocols we’ve put into place to protect students from COVID-19 are working,” said Michelle Woodhouse, interim vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer. “We’re moving forward now to bring more students back to campus.”

Summer Session begins May 24 and concludes August 9. Students can choose how to continue their learning with online, hybrid and face-to-face classes available.

“In keeping with our Campus Reopening Plan approved by the State Council for Higher Education, class sizes will not be full capacity and we will continue using technology to keep all students learning,” Woodhouse added.

Face-to-face instruction will comply with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for physical distancing, hygiene and safety.  Face coverings are required in all classrooms and common areas. Enhanced protocols are in place for cleaning and sanitizing all buildings and facilities.

All courses will be active in CANVAS, and instruction and support for successful online learning will be provided. On campus and virtual resources will continue to be available. Libraries and selected computer labs will also be open for students enrolled in summer classes. Students will be able to continue accessing Wi-Fi in designated parking spaces on all campuses.

TCC will provide regular updates that include any modifications necessary related to guidance received from Gov. Ralph Northam’s office, the CDC and the Virginia Health Department.

Students with questions can find support by emailing info@tcc.edu.

Back to school with College Anywhere VA

Don’t put your future on hold.

Pursue a meaningful career or be transfer-ready for the four-year school of your choice. It’s now even easier to get started with a new tool from Virginia’s Community Colleges, CollegeAnywhereVA.org. Tidewater Community College is one of 23 community colleges in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS).

College Anywhere VA is an online portal enabling Virginians to find online courses that best meet their needs. In addition to connecting students with high-quality and affordable remote-learning courses, the site connects current and prospective students with advisors, known as College Navigators, who streamline the application and course enrollment process.

Summer classes start May 18 and fall semester begins Aug. 24.

“Our students, especially our high school seniors, have lost so many experiences over the last couple months — no proms, no yearbook exchange, no graduation ceremonies. We owe it to them to provide them with the virtual door to their next educational step,” said Glenn Dubois, VCCS chancellor.

College Anywhere VA provides a transparent view into the 10,000+ online courses offered through Virginia’s community colleges. Depending on student goals, these courses could:

count toward an associate degree or certificate program;
count toward a degree or certificate program at another institution; or
include valuable workforce training programs that prepare students for career credentials.

Virginia’s Community Colleges, including TCC, have guaranteed transfer agreements with dozens of private and public institutions across the commonwealth. Tuition and fees are roughly one-third of the comparable costs at four-year universities.