Frequently Asked Questions

Applications, when available, may be downloaded here, or picked up from the following locations: The Office of the Vice President of Student Services in Room A-128B, or the Financial Aid Office in Room A-123.

You will apply in the Fall semester for the following academic year Fall and Spring semesters.

Apply for all the scholarships for which you meet the criteria.    Answer all questions on the application form to the best of your ability and then ask for help in completing the rest.  As part of the application process, you will be required to attach a typewritten essay that includes what your career and educational goals are and how you plan to reach them.  Please list any honors or awards you have received as well as any community and/or school activities in which you have been involved.  Include information about yourself and your family (if applicable).  If you are a parent include the ages of your children.   A faculty recommendation must accompany your application.

 

Although you are encouraged to apply as soon as the applications are available, the final due date is the third Friday in December. 

All information must arrive in the Financial Aid Office A123 or the Office of the Vice President of Student Services Office in A128B, by the third Friday in December.

6. How long does it take to have my application reviewed?

The review process can take several weeks so it is imperative that you submit your application before the deadline date.

7. Who reviews the applications?

The scholarship committee - a group of faculty and college administrators - reviews each and every application.

 

8. If I am selected, how will I be notified?

You will be notified by mail if you win the scholarship.  You will also be given information on the workshop that you must attend to learn more about your responsibilities as a scholarship recipient.

 

9. How long does it take to be notified?

Selected scholarship recipients will be notified by mail between April 1 and April 10 each year in preparation for the month-end awards ceremony.  (Graduation Award winners will be notified no later than one week prior to graduation.)

 

Please note:  Due to the volume of applicants for scholarship consideration each year we are unable to send separate letters to all applicants about the outcome of his/her application.

10. Is the award ceremony mandatory?

The award ceremony is absolutely mandatory. If you do not attend the ceremony and the reception that follows, you will automatically forfeit your award.

11. What if I am unable to attend the award ceremony? Will an alternate be selected?

Yes, an alternate will be selected if you are unable to attend the ceremony.

12. What should I wear to this ceremony?

Gentlemen should be in dress pants, shirt and tie. Ladies should be in business attire. No denim, jeans or casual attire is permitted.

13. May my family come to the ceremony?

Family and friends are encouraged to attend the ceremony. If young children are attending the ceremony an adult (other than the recipient) must accompany them. Scholarship recipients will be sitting together at the ceremony.

14. Who are the donors?

The donors are individuals, associations, and corporations who believe in community college education for all and are committed to helping Bergen students reach their educational goals.

15. Will I have an opportunity to meet the donor(s)?

Yes, you will be able meet the donor (or their designee) since they will present you with your award.  In addition, the reception is provided so that the recipient and the donor may have an opportunity to get to know one another.

16. What are my responsibilities upon receiving the scholarship?

In addition to attending the scholarship workshop and award ceremony, you must send a thank you letter to the BCC Foundation for the donor within two weeks after the ceremony.

17. Should there be on going contact with the donor on my academic progress?

It is recommended that you keep in touch with your donor and update him/her on your academic progress.

18. What if I am not attending Bergen next fall?

19. Is the scholarship transferable to another college?

No, it is not transferable.

20. What costs does the scholarship cover?

That depends on the scholarship. Some cover tuition, fees and books; others cover just the tuition. Refer to each individual scholarship description for more information.

21. Will I be eligible to receive more than one scholarship?

Yes, if you are eligible and the total amount of all of your scholarships does not exceed the maximum amount established by the BCC Foundation.

22. Are there circumstances in which I would lose my scholarship?

Yes, you will lose your scholarship if you stop attending Bergen Community College, if you do not attend the scholarship workshop and award ceremony, or if you fail to provide the thank you note for the donor.

23. How will I know how much the scholarship amount will be?

You will be notified through the mail of the scholarship and the amount you are awarded.

24. When will the actual scholarship awards be available?

Scholarship awards are available for the following Fall and Spring Semester. They will be applied to the student's account each semester after the last day to drop/add.

25. If I have any other questions, who can I contact?

Inquiries and questions can be directed to Bccscholarship@bergen.edu.

26. If I am not a citizen or a U.S. permanent resident am I eligible for a BCCF scholarship?

No, according to U.S. Government regulations, only U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent resident with Permanent Resident Cards (I-551 or I-551C) are eligible.  If you are in the U.S. on an F1 or F2 student visa, or a J1 or J2 exchange visa, or a G series visa (pertaining to international organizations), you are not eligible.

 
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