The Empowerment Grant is designed to assist in meeting the campus mission of maintaining an environment of open access to learning while providing an enriched curriculum and environment that celebrates diversity and recognizes the strength of differences. Chattanooga State understands diverse educational experiences allow our students to successfully compete in a global workforce and to assist in sustaining our country’s global economy and competitiveness. Empowerment Grant funds are provided by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Recipients must meet the following qualifications:

• Tennessee resident (any exceptions will be reviewed on an individualized basis in accordance with Chattanooga State and/or Tennessee Board of Regent policies)
• Minimum 2.0 high school or college (semester and cumulative) GPA or a minimum score of 450 on the GED.
• Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester.
• Students with existing associate’s or bachelor’s degrees are not eligible.
• Students must meet United States Department of Education Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
  • 67% completion rate for all college courses attempted.
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA after 24 attempted credits.
  • Cannot exceed 90 attempted credits (150% of program length).
• Student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Students may not receive Empowerment for more than four total semesters.

A student must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Rural service area
• Economic Disadvantage—persons experiencing economic hardship who might be a part of the AHEAD program; Families First; WIA; Disability Support Services or referred through other support services on campus.
• Experiencing extenuating circumstances which would prevent attending college without an Empowerment Grant
• First generation college student (neither parent possesses a bachelor’s degree). The award amount is based on several factors, included but not limited to, the number of applications received and available funds.