Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Community College Access Program (CCAP)?
CCAP is a program that makes college available tuition-free to 2013 graduates of public high schools in the localities of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin or Roanoke Counties or the Cities of Roanoke or Salem. It covers the cost of tuition for two years at Virginia Western Community College. CCAP supports as many students as possible based on student need and funds available for the program.
How do I know if I am eligible for CCAP?
To be eligible for consideration for CCAP, you must:
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Graduate as a member of the 2013 class with a diploma from one of the public high schools in the localities of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin or Roanoke Counties or the Cities of Roanoke or Salem and have attended one of the public high schools in the localities of Botetourt, Craig, Franklin or Roanoke Counties or the Cities of Roanoke or Salem for at least your junior and senior years, and
graduate with the following minimum cumulative midterm grade point average (GPA) based on the locality from which you are applying:
- Botetourt County = 2.5 GPA
- Craig County = 2.5 GPA
- Franklin County = 2.5 GPA
- Roanoke City = 2.0 GPA
- Roanoke County - 2.5 GPA
- Salem City = 2.5 GPA
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Provide proof of residency in Botetourt, Craig, Franklin, or Roanoke Counties or the Cities of Roanoke or Salem for at least two years. You must provide one document from Column A and one document from Column B of the Proof of Residency Sample Guide. Students must provide proof of residency based on the locality from which you are applying.
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Meet the March 29, 2013 deadline for submission of application materials (including the application and proof of residency), take the
placement tests at Virginia Western in the Knisely Learning Technology Center, and file the current year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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Have a completed Virginia Western financial aid file, meeting all CCAP deadlines. The Financial Aid Department will assist you to ensure you have
a completed financial aid file with the college. Please direct all financial aid questions to the Financial Aid Department at
540-857-7331 or finaid@virginiawestern.edu.
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Enroll at Virginia Western in a degree/diploma/certificate program that meets the federal financial aid requirements in the fall semester
immediately following your 2013 high school graduation.
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Take the required Virginia Western placement tests in the Knisely Learning Technology Center. If more than two (2) developmental courses are needed, you will not be eligible for
the program; however, you may still be eligible to attend Virginia Western. Students must meet with a VWCC Academic Advisor to have their test scores interpreted.
What additional criteria do I need to meet to remain eligible for CCAP?
There are several criteria that students must continue to meet to remain eligible for participation in the program:
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You must maintain a cumulative overall GPA to remain eligible for program assistance, based on the program for which you are accepted:
- Botetourt County = 2.5 GPA
- Craig County = 2.5 GPA
- Franklin County = 2.5 GPA
- Roanoke City = 2.0 GPA
- Roanoke County - 2.5 GPA
- Salem City = 2.5 GPA
Students who do not maintain the above cumulative GPA at the end of any semester will not be eligible to receive CCAP funds during any subsequent semester.
PLEASE NOTE: CCAP will pay for up to 2 developmental courses (if needed) during the first year of the program.
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Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours and a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester in a specific program of study. If
funding is available, students may enroll in a maximum of 6 credits during the 2013 summer semester to help fulfill their specific
program of study requirements.
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If in any semester a student withdraws from classes, falls below the full-time minimum requirement and/or required GPA, or does not
meet certain other performance requirements, the student must reimburse the program for his/her tuition costs that semester, and will
no longer be eligible for CCAP funding in future semesters.
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Students are required to take and complete a 1 credit Student Development Course (SDV) during their first semester.
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Students are required to attend a Virginia Western Discover orientation session.
- Students must complete a Community Service Learning Project during the fall and spring semester each year they participate in the program.
If I complete the CCAP application process does that mean I am automatically in the CCAP?
No, CCAP acceptance is dependent on two things:
- You must meet the eligibility requirements and complete the application process satisfactorily.
- CCAP is dependent upon support annually from public and private sources so the amount of CCAP funds available may vary from year to year.
CCAP funds will be awarded to students starting with the greatest need until the funds allocated for that year are depleted.
When will I hear if I have been accepted to CCAP or not?
The Educational Foundation makes every attempt to notify students with a conditional acceptance letter by the end of May. Students who have been
conditionally accepted will be required to attend a mandatory acceptance meeting before they graduate from high school with their parent or
guardian. Those dates for the mandatory acceptance meetings (there are two to choose from) are announced in January when the application is made
available. At the mandatory meeting students will get detailed information about the program and will sign an agreement with the Educational Foundation
regarding their participation.
If I am accepted into CCAP and do not fulfill the requirements of the program as detailed in the agreement I signed with the Educational Foundation what will happen?
If you do not fulfill the requirements of the CCAP as detailed by the agreement that you have signed with the Educational Foundation you must reimburse
the Educational Foundation for that semester and will no longer be eligible for CCAP in future semesters.
May I take on-line courses to fulfill my full-time requirement?
You may NOT take an on-line course during your first semester at Virginia Western. You may take an on-line course during your second, third
or fourth semester or summer class, but you must be approved by Virginia Western to do so.
Is the cost of summer tuition covered?
Yes, if funds are available. CCAP students may enroll in six (6) credits during the summer semester following your first year of successfully completed courses. You must inform the program of your intention
to enroll in summer classes on your Current Program Participant CCAP Application. Remember, CCAP will not pay for any developmental course credits during the
summer semester.
If I am receiving full Financial Aid, am I still included in CCAP?
Yes! The Community College Access Program covers the full cost of tuition either through the financial aid process or if financial aid does
not cover your tuition through the CCAP program itself. Participants receiving full financial aid are still required to meet all program
deadlines and requirements to maintain eligibility for the program in future semesters. It is also important to remain in the CCAP program
because your financial situation may change from year to year.
How do I update my contact information?
It is imperative that you inform the Educational Foundation of any change to your physical address, email address, telephone, or other
important contact information. To update your information please contact us.
What is the CCAP Community Service Learning Project?
The CCAP Community Service Learning Project for 2013-2014 will be determined at a later date and program participants will be notified at the mandatory meeting in June, as well as through email and mail.
My student account shows that I have a balance due for my tuition or I am showing no anticipated aid. Will my classes be dropped for non-payment?
No. A "do-not-drop" indicator is placed on all CCAP students records while financial aid status is being determined and you will not be dropped from your classes for non-payment.
