Gadsden State Community College (GSCC) has a history going back to 1925 when the Alabama School of Trades (later renamed the Alabama Technical College) was established. The school of trades was founded to offer training in masonry, printing and carpentry.
Creation of GSCC as we know it today took place in 1985 when the Alabama Board of Education merged three institutions to create GSCC. The three that were amalgamated to create the present entity were Gadsden State Technical Institute, Alabama Technical College and Gadsden State Junior College.
Located in Gadsden, Alabama, GSCC has four campuses and two instruction centers which enroll close to 8,000 students.
Gadsden State Community College
Academics
The range of programs offered at GSCC is diverse covering many two-year degree programs, technical and certificate programs and several non-credit programs. In the non-credit programs category, the college offers skills training and adult and continuing education.
The college’s academic and technical programs are offered by over a dozen different divisions. These include the business division, information technology division, health sciences division, language and fine arts division, math and engineering and social sciences among others.
The business division has degree programs covering business and administration, accounting, finance, economics, business statistics and financial planning. Under this division, several certificate and diploma programs are also offered including office administration, word processing and medical transcription.
The college’s social sciences division has eight associate degree programs covering diverse areas such as child development, elementary education, history, human services, pre-law, psychology, sociology and religion. Through the math and engineering division, the college offers associate degrees in mathematics and pre-engineering.
The information and technology division offers associate degrees in computer science technology and several certificate programs covering areas such as computing technology, web development and microcomputer repair.
Through the continuing education division, GSCC attempts to offer the kind of education that would appeal to people of all ages and educational backgrounds. This division is divided into two – professional development and community education.
Aimed at professionals who need to sharpen their skills, the professional sub-division offers seminars and workshops in areas such as nursing, air-conditioning, Spanish and computer science. Community education focuses on the needs of the seniors, youth and adults of the local community and is delivered via workshops, short courses, satellite conferences and seminars.
GSCC is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Moreover, many of the college’s programs have obtained accreditation from professional accrediting bodies. Examples include the business division (accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs), the cosmetology technology division (accredited by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology) and the information technology division (accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs).
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Gadsden State Community College.
GSCC operates an open-door admissions policy enabling transfer students, GED recipients and holders of high school diplomas to join the college with ease. Most students attending the college commence their studies in the fall semester but admissions go on throughout the year and a new student can join at any time.
To obtain admission, a first-time applicant must submit a high school transcript (showing date of graduation) to the college’s Admissions Office. In the absence of high school transcripts, the college accepts satisfactory GED transcripts.
The college enables students still in high school to take its courses through its Accelerated Program (available for students who have completed their tenth grade) but such students must obtain the approval of their high school principals and the local superintendent of education. A similar program, the Dual Enrollment Program, is available for students who have completed their ninth grade.
GSCC admits transfer students who submit transcripts from accredited institutions previously attended. Where the transfer student is coming from an institution that is not accredited, the college requires that high school or GED transcripts accompany the transcripts from the post-secondary institution. All applicants are also required to complete a residency form.
Former GSCC students wishing to return to the institution are required to re-apply for admission if they have been away from the college for more than a year. They are also required to present transcripts issued by institutions subsequently attended, a residency form and an official documentation of compliance with the Selective Service Act (the Act requires that all male students between ages 18 and 26 present proof of registration with the U.S. Selective Service System).
Non-native speakers of English seeking admission to GSCC are required to show their proficiency in the language by a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 500 (paper-based version) or 61 (internet-based version). The college also accepts an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.5 as adequate proof of proficiency.
International applicants are required to satisfy above proficiency conditions in addition to submitting a Medical Record Form confirming that the student is in good health and does not have active TB. Such applicants are also required to submit an Affidavit of Support from the person responsible for the student’s financial support.
Financial Aid
There are many sources of financial aid for students attending GSCC as the school has a very long list of scholarships. In addition, there are many State and Federal grant and loan programs which provide the cushion necessary for bright but needy students.
A student enrolled at GSCC could apply for the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Scholarships which are provided for students seeking careers in the automotive industry. The association selects the winners and it awards up to 50 scholarships valued at $1,500 each to students around the State.
GSCC issues Ambassador Scholarships to students who wish to work as representatives of the college. Applicants for these scholarships must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 and be actively involved in club or other extra-curricular activities. Applicants write a 500-word essay showing the experiences they have acquired to prepare them for the ambassadorial role. Amounts awarded vary.
The college also offers Athletic Scholarships to students who excel in various sports. Students of nursing could also apply for the Amy Floyd Honorary Scholarship which is awarded to a second-year RN student selected by the Nursing Department. Brazilian students attending the college could also apply for the Brazilian Grant which the grant director awards to students from that country.
Other scholarships available for students attending GSCC include the Bush Memorial Endowment Scholarship, the Buffalo Rock Endowment Scholarship, the Calhoun County Scholarships and the Culp Industries Endowment Scholarship.
The State of Alabama also runs the Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP) which awards grants of varying amounts to qualifying students who are residents of the State. To qualify for ASAP grants, an applicant must be eligible for the federal Pell Grant and, since funds are usually in short supply, the State awards those with the highest need as determined by FAFSA.
In addition to the Pell grant, needy students can also apply for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) or for part-time employment under the Federal Work-Study Program.
Additional sources of financial aid for students attending GSCC include federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans as well as loans from various private lenders.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Gadsden State Community College 5349th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Alabama scholarships and financial aid
GSCC students are encouraged to participate in the many extra-curricular activities available at the college’s campuses in appreciation of the role such activities play in the social and intellectual development of the participants. Student activities are coordinated by the Coordinator of Student Activities and any student wishing to form a new club or organization must obtain the approval of this office.
GSCC is home to many clubs and organizations catering for the social, intellectual and special interest needs of the students. Students pursuing IT courses congregate in the Information Technology Club. Clubs and organizations built on similar themes include the Ecology Matters Club, the Medical Lab Technology Club, the Student Nurses Association and the Science, Math and Engineering Club.
There are also entertainment clubs and organizations such as the Southern Belles Dance Team, the Gadsden State Singers and the Show Band.
For spiritual matters, the Baptist Campus Ministries and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes are also represented at the college. The International Student Club brings the international student community closer and offers a form for students to learn different cultures.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Gadsden State Community College?
GSCC has a very active alumni association with members drawn from graduates of the college as well as those from the institutions it merged with. The alumni association serves the twin purpose of providing a networking platform for the professional benefit of former students as well as a fundraising platform for the college’s projects.
To encourage graduating students become members, the college gives each graduating student a one-year complimentary membership after which the newly-accepted member is required to contribute $20 per year in membership fees. A lifetime membership costs $300.
Most of the money raised by the Gadsden State Community College Alumni Association is used to fund the college’s elaborate scholarship program.
Bibliography
“Academic/Technical Programs”. Gadsden State Community College. 15th May 2011
http://www.gadsdenstate.edu/academics/academic-technical-programs.php
“Gadsden Community College”. Encyclopedia of Alabama. 15th May 2011
http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Article.jsp?id=h-3043
“Grand opening held for Welding Center at Gadsden State”. The Gadsden Times. 15th May 2011
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20110513/NEWS/110519906
Demographics – Main Campus and Surrounding Areas
Reported area around or near Gadsden, AL 35903
Surrounding community
Small city (inside urban area, pop. under 100,000)
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Gadsden, AL 35903
p. 256-549-8200
w. www.gadsdenstate.edu