Gorge Scholars

What is Gorge Scholars?

Gorge Scholars is a tuition waiver program designed to support eligible high school graduates, home school completers, and military veterans. Preference will be given to applicants who completed their high school-level education within CGCC's service area, including Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, Wheeler, and Wasco counties, Oregon, and Klickitat and Skamania counties, Washington.

What is included?

Gorge Scholars receive full tuition waivers for up to 18 credits per term, for up to two years. Books, fees and miscellaneous expenses are not included. 

How do I apply?

The application for 2026-27 is available now. 

Deadline

You must submit the application and all required documents by Friday, April 3, 2026.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must meet all of the requirements for one of the following applicant types:

  • Completed high school within 6 months of the start of fall term 2026, AND
  • Successful completion of 3 years of Math with Algebra I or higher, or an equivalent approved dual-credit program, AND
  • Successful completion of 4 years of English/Language Arts, or an equivalent approved dual-credit program, AND
  • Successful completion of 3 years of Science, or an equivalent approved dual-credit program, AND
  • Minimum high school GPA of 3.30, AND
  • Unofficial high school transcript documenting the above AND
  • Copy of your resume or activities list

If you completed a dual-credit program, you must also submit a transcript from the college where you completed the credit, unless it was completed at CGCC. Students who completed dual-credit at CGCC do not need to submit additional documentation of the dual-credit program.

  • Completed homeschool within 6 months of the start of fall term 2026, AND
  • ESD verification letter, AND
  • Official transcript documenting one of the following:
    • ACT with a score of 27 or higher, OR
    • SAT with a score of 1200 or higher AND
  • Copy of your resume or activities list

  • Completed the GED® test within 6 months of the start of fall term 2026, AND
  • Submit a GED® test transcript with a score of 165 or higher within the timeframe
  • Copy of your resume or activities list

  • Entered the military within 3 months of completing your high school-level education AND
  • Discharged from the military within 6 months of the start of fall term 2026, AND
  • Provide a DD-214 documenting the above AND
  • Copy of your resume or activities list

How will I know if I have been accepted to the program?

  • Applications will be reviewed after the submission deadline.
  • Notification of acceptance or non-acceptance will be sent to all applicants by April 17, 2026.
  • Up to 12 applicants will be awarded.
  • Recipients must accept their award by Friday, May 1, 2026 or their place in the program will be given to an applicant on the waitlist.

How do I maintain eligibility in the program?

In order to maintain eligibility in the Gorge Scholars program for up to two years, students must:

  • Continuously enroll in fall, winter and spring terms in at least 12 credits; and
  • Maintain a CGCC cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better by the end of each academic year; and
  • Participate in the CGCC Gorge Scholars program. On the application, you’ll be asked to share which campus engagement areas you’re most interested in. If selected as a Gorge Scholar, you’ll be placed in one engagement area for the academic year where you’ll support campus programs, services, or events. 
    Participation is a required part of the program and includes completing approximately 30 hours per month in your assigned area. Your placement will be decided based on your interests, program needs, and availability. This experience is designed to help you gain hands-on experience, build skills, and become more connected to the CGCC community.
    You may select up to two engagement areas that interest you. You’ll work under the guidance of CGCC staff in your assigned area and receive training specific to your role. While we do our best to consider student preferences, placement in a specific area is not guaranteed and depends on program needs and availability.