If you live in the East County, there's a new incentive to get your child to go to college. A new scholarship unveiled Wednesday will allow Grossmont Union School District high school students to earn a free first year of college and a laptop.
"This would benefit my sister," said Jessica Rinder, student at West Hills High School.
Rinder is not eligible for the scholarship because it's only being offered to students graduating high school in 2019 and later.
"I think it'll help motivate her a lot to go to college," said Rinder.
The students will have the choice to attend Cuyamaca or Grossmont College. Among the requirements, you must take college prepatory classes, a college success course and you must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
"We have to think about not wanting to exclude students who have other barriers in their lives that are causing them not to succeed academically," said Cindy Miles, chancellor of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District.
Miles hopes the scholarship will help 2,400 students its first year. The students will also receive free laptops, counseling and tutoring.
"I think most people would take this seriously if they definitely want to go to college and they are dedicated about it," said Rinder.
Students who want to apply must fill out a federal financial aid form and must be enrolled into the Grossmont Union School District for at least two years.
The scholarship is being offered through the East County Education Alliance and it's being paid for by private donors.
