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C2C Grant​ - Details

This section contains detailed information about the C2C Grant, from eligibility and qualification policies to what you will need when completing the online application and communications you can receive through the review and approval process.

Scroll through the content or use the links below to navigate directly to the topic of interest, then expand the item you want to understand better.

C2C Grant Policies and Requirements

C2C Grant Application Process (What to Expect)

C2C Grant Applications – Key Requirements

C2C Grant Email Notifications

C2C Grant Policies and Requirements

What you should know about applying, getting approved and renewing the C2C Grant.

Eligibility to Apply
The C2C Grant application is available only to C2C program participants who are also:

  • Registered C2C program participants
  • Mississippi residents & US citizens
  • Admitted students at a Mississippi community college or public university.
  • NOT a degreed student (refer to degreed student exceptions below)

Initiating a Grant Application
C2C Grant applications are initiated by a student’s C2C Coach located within their participating institution.  

Degreed Student Eligibility Exceptions – The following are circumstances when a student who has earned an associate degree can be eligible for C2C program benefits, including the C2C Grant:

  • Associate to Bachelor’s (A + B) Pathway – Effective January 1, 2023, C2C Grant recipients who complete an associate degree and wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree can be eligible for continued C2C program benefits, including C2C Grant. To maintain eligibility, the student must maintain continuous enrollment by transferring to a participating university the term immediately following their associate degree completion.
  • C2C Associate Graduates (pre-2023) – C2C program participants who returned and earned their associate degree prior to January 1, 2023, and wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree, will also be provided access to C2C program benefits, including C2C Grant eligibility. The continuous enrollment policy will be waived for these C2C graduates through to 2024 to accommodate those C2C program graduates who completed their associate degrees prior to the A + B option being available.
  • University Studies Degree Program – C2C program participants who earned an associate degree and have been admitted to a participating institution in the University Studies Degree Program can be eligible for C2C program benefits, including C2C Grant eligibility.

Participation and Consent Agreement – C2C Program participants and grant applicants are required to sign a Release of Information consent form agreeing to share information regarding their educational history (beyond public directory information) and participate in yearly surveys. This information is used strictly to assess and celebrate the program’s success and ensure ongoing improvement. This information is available only to C2C program administration and C2C Grant funding partners (W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Mississippi Department of Human Services).  For more information, visit FERPA Notice of Privacy Rights and Release of Information.

Application Submission
C2C encourages program participants to contact their coach to initiate an application for the C2C Grant thirty (30) to forty-five (45) days prior to the start of each semester.

The following are the deadlines for submitting a C2C Grant Application:

  • Fall – October 31
  • Spring – March 31
  • Summer – June 30

Qualification Guidelines
To qualify for the grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Age of at least 21, but not greater than 59
  • Mississippi residents and US citizens
  • Household income that meets the C2C Grant Household Income Guidelines based on household size
  • Financial responsibility for a dependent child(ren)

First-time Applicants – The first time a C2C program participant applies for the C2C Grant, they are required to complete state and federal applications to help ensure all available assistance is identified.

Please follow the instructions on the MAAPP website carefully to be considered for the C2C Grant.

C2C Grant Household Income Guidelines
To ensure the C2C program serves those most in need and complies with funding source requirements, C2C applicant’s total gross household income must meet the C2C Grant Household Income Guidelines. Refer to the chart below.

C2C Grant Funding and Availability

  • The C2C Grant is funded by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS).
  • Application award guidelines are defined by MDHS and are subject to change.
  • Grant availability is based on yearly MDHS Fund appropriations.

Eligibility
C2C program participants who qualify for the C2C Grant are eligible for grant renewal consideration each term if they fulfill the following requirements:

  • Remain in good academic and financial standing.
  • Maintain continuous enrollment, taking at least one course each term (summer and winter terms are optional).
  • Meet with their C2C Coach prior to the term’s completion.
  • Complete and submit a new online grant application prior to the grant deadline.

NOTE: Renewing grant applicants do not need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP).

*C2C Grant – Continuous Enrollment Policy
C2C program participants, who receive a C2C Grant award, must maintain continuous term enrollment to be eligible to apply for a grant renewal (summer and winter terms are optional where available).

Continuous Enrollment – Policy Exception – If grant recipients fail to meet the grant renewal requirement of continuous enrollment, they may be eligible for a policy exception based on their circumstances. Students seeking an exception should contact their C2C Coach to obtain and complete the formal policy exception request form for C2C executive committee consideration.

C2C Grant Application Process (What to Expect)

Here are the steps and timeframe you can anticipate when applying for the C2C Grant.

Only returning adults registered in the C2C program are eligible to apply for the renewable C2C Grant of up to $1,000.

The grant can be used to pay tuition and fees at any Mississippi community colleges and public universities.

  • Initiate a Grant Application – To initiate a C2C Grant application, contact your assigned C2C Coach.
    Your C2C Coach will review your circumstances and specify how the award funds will be allocated (e.g., tuition, related fees and expenses, and/or graduation fees).
    • Initiated Notification EMAIL  – After your C2C Coach initiates the C2C Grant application, you will receive an email with a secure link you’ll use to access the online application. The email will include instructions and your 30-day submission deadline.
      NOTE: All grant emails will be sent to the email address you used when registering for the C2C program unless you updated this email with your C2C Coach.
  • Preparing to Submit – It’s important that you have everything you need to complete the application on hand before beginning the application. Once started, the application cannot be stopped and saved. If you stop in the middle of completing the application, you’ll need to start the application again from the beginning.
  • Gather Required Items – Refer to the C2C Grant Application – Key Requirements to ensure you have all the necessary information and verification documentation required to complete your C2C Grant application. 
  • Access the Online Application – Next, click the secure link provided in the Initiated Email to access your online C2C Grant application. 
  • Completing & Submitting the Application – Read instructions thoroughly and complete the four-step application., submitting all necessary documentation. Once you’ve submitted the C2C Grant application, it will be routed directly to the C2C State Office for grant award consideration.
    • Submission Confirmation EMAIL – You’ll receive another email, this one confirming that your application was received and advising first-time applicants of the need to submit state and federal aid applications.
  • Submission Deadline – Grant applications must be submitted within 30 days from the date it is initiated. Failure to complete the application within 30 days can result in an automatic denial.

The application review process will be completed within ten (10) to fourteen (14) days from submission.

    • Pre-Approval — this preliminary approval is issued once your application review is complete and your eligibility has been confirmed.
      • Pre-Approval Notification EMAIL –  you will receive an email confirming that the review is complete and the application is pre-approved.
    • Final Approval — this final approval will be issued once the submission of state (MAAPP) and federal (FAFSA) aid applications has been confirmed.
      • Approval Notification EMAIL — You’ll receive an email at this stage of the approval process keeping you informed of your progress.

Please be sure to check the status of BOTH your Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) weekly. If you are required to submit any additional information to complete the MAAPP, you will be notified within your application

To check the status of your MAAPP:

Refer to the “Overview” tab.

  • If you see the statement: “There are no missing documents at this time”, then your MAAP is complete.
  • If you have any missing documents, they will be listed as “Still Needed,” and these documents must be submitted in order for your MAAPP to be complete. Examples of missing documents may include “MS Current Year Tax Return” or “FAFSA.” Click “View All” for more information and for instructions for submission.
  • If FAFSA is included on the list of missing documents, you must log in to the FAFSA website to complete this application.
  • To be eligible for the C2C Grant, you must provide two forms of documentation to prove Mississippi residency. The preferred residency documents are the Mississippi driver’s license, which can be submitted electronically during the online application, and the FAFSA. Alternate residency documents that will be accepted include the State Tax Return (NOT Federal Tax Return) for the current tax filing year, homestead exemption, voter registration, and vehicle registration. These are the ONLY documents accepted.

If you have questions about your MAAPP (missing documents, etc.), please contact the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid (SFA) at 601.432.6997 or 1.800.327.2980.

NOTE: Mississippi State Financial Aid Office cannot answer questions about your FAFSA (other than whether or not it has been received), the overall status of your C2C Grant Application, or the disbursement of C2C Grant funds.

  • Renewal Applicants — When applying to renew your C2C Grant, you will not be required to submit FAFSA and MAAPP again. As a result, your approval process consists of only one step.
    • Final Approval — this will occur once your application review is complete and all grant eligibility has been confirmed.
    • Approval Notification EMAIL— You’ll receive an email at this stage of the approval process keeping you informed of your progress.
  • Application Exceptions — If an exception is noted in the review of your application, you will receive an Exception Notification email. The email will specify the cause of the exception and what is required from you to correct the exception. The email will also include a secure link you will use to re-access the application, upload new documentation and resubmit the application for reconsideration.

    • Exception Notification EMAIL – you will receive an email notifying you of an issue with your application that requires correction.

    • Common Exception Issues – Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly to ensure you are providing the correct information and verification documentation.
      • Income amount – ensure that what you are stating as income is supported by your documentation
      • Income documentation – Income documentation for all household members contributing to the household income
      • Custodial/dependent documentation – Proof of dependent child or custodial parent documentation.

  • Note: Exceptions must be corrected and resubmitted within seven (7) days of receipt. If not received within seven (7) days, the application will be automatically denied.

Once an application is approved, the award funds will be available for disbursement the day after enrollment or degree eligibility has been verified by a C2C coach

  • Enrollment Verification – Returning adults’ enrollment is verified by their C2C Coach approximately 15 days after the first day of class.
  • Degree Eligibility – Returning adults that have enough earned credits for a degree will have a formal degree audit completed. A C2C Coach will coordinate initiating the audit and verify its successful completion approximately 15 days after it is initiated.
  • Funds Distribution – C2C Grant Funds are sent to the institution for posting to the student’s account approximately 15 days after coach verification.
  • School-Specific Funds Distribution – Each institution is responsible for posting the award credits to the student’s account according to their individual timelines.

Grant Award Distribution Timeline Requirements — C2C Grants Awards must be distributed prior to the term completion.

  • Distribution Timeline Exceptions — Exceptions to the award deadline may be considered for grant applications that were timely but encountered processing delays in resolving exceptions with the Mississippi State Aid office. Extensions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis but will not be provided for delays related to resolving C2C Grant application exceptions.
  • Exception Requests – Requests for award deadline extension must be completed at least one week prior to term completion to accommodate award disbursement prior to term completion.

The following are the definitions for terms used in the C2C application.

Gross Annual Income:
The amount of income you receive yearly before deductions and taxes are taken out.

Household Member:
Household Member is a federal income taxpayer and any individual who is a joint filer and/or for whom a dependency exemption is claimed by the taxpayer to include individuals that may or may not be related by blood or marriage.

Household Income:
Household income is the total amount of money earned by every contributing member of a single residence, regardless of whether they are related or not. All sources of income are counted — not just wages and salaries — including tips, payments from freelance work, interest income, dividend income, rental income, pension payments, social security payments, unemployment income, alimony, child support and any other payments contributing to your household income.

Dependent Child:
A dependent child is defined as any child who is under the age of 19 and receives more than half of their support from you. A full-time student under the age of 24 also qualifies. Dependent children may or may not live with you.

A dependent child is:

  • Under 19 years of age
  • Under 24 years of age and will attend school full-time for at least five months this year.
  • Any age and permanently and totally disabled.

Custodial Parent:

A custodial parent:

  • Has sole custody of your child.
  • Has primary custody of your child as ordered by the court.
  • Is married, and their child resides in the home with them and their spouse.

C2C Coaches and the C2C Grant Information Line, manned by C2C call center representatives, are available to support applicants with their grant applications. Each has a specific area of focus.

C2C Coach Support – Any questions specific to grant award request amount, application exceptions or award decisioning should be directed to a C2C Coach. C2C Coaches initiate all C2C Grant applications after meeting with the C2C returning student. Coach support completing the grant application can be available by appointment.

Grant Application Information Line (800-365-2206) – This support line is manned by C2C call center representatives. These representatives do not have access to your application or admissions information. They are trained to address common and frequently asked questions related to completing the C2C online grant application. The Information Line is available Monday through Saturday 8 am – 9 pm and Sunday 9 am – 6 pm CST.

C2C Grant Application - Key Requirements

This is information you will want to review prior to starting your application.

Overview
First-time and Renewing applicants for the C2C Grant are required to provide documentation to support application information used to qualify the applicant for a grant award.

Application Information Requiring Documentation

  1. Gross Annual Income – Applicants are required to provide acceptable income documentation to support the gross annual income amount specified for each household member. Refer to the Income Verification Documents below for a listing of all acceptable income verification documents.
  2. Dependent children living in your residence – Applicants are required to provide documents verifying that they are the parent of all dependent children living in their residence.  Refer to the Dependent Children Documentation below for a listing of all acceptable verification document options.
  3. Dependent children NOT living in your residence – Applicants are required to provide documents to verify their support of a dependent child(ren) not living in their residence. Refer to the Dependent Children Documentation below for a listing of all required verification documents.

Overview
To ensure the C2C Grant serves those most in need and complies with funding source requirements, being the parent of a dependent child with support obligations can be a factor determining an applicant’s eligibility for a grant. Completing the following steps will help ensure this applicant requirement is fulfilled.

1. Dependent Children Living in Your Residence

Applicants can satisfy the dependent child requirement by indicating  the number of dependent children living in their residence that are also:

    • Under 19 years of age
    • Under 24 years of age and will attend school full-time for at least five months this year.
    • Any age and permanently and totally disabled.

Required Documents
Applicants indicating that they are the parent of a dependent child(ren) living in their residence will be asked to upload ONE of the following four verification documents:

    1. Prior year’s federal income tax return; or
    2. Affidavit from school or doctor; or
    3. Court documents establishing parentage and custody; or
    4. Birth Certificate

2. Dependent Children Not Living in Your Residence

Applicants can satisfy the dependent child requirement by indicating the number of a dependent child(ren) NOT living in their residence that they have an obligation to provide financial support for AND who are also:

    • Under 19 years of age
    • Under 24 years of age and will attend school full-time for at least five months this year.
    • Any age and permanently and totally disabled.

Required Verification Documents

Applicants indicating that they are a parent with support obligations for a dependent child(ren) not living in their residence will be asked to upload BOTH of the following verification documents:

    1. Court documents establishing parentage and support obligations; and
    2. Receipts or other proof showing payment of support obligations as required.

Overview 
To ensure the C2C program serves those most in need and complies with funding source requirements, C2C applicant’s total gross household income must meet the C2C Grant Household Income Guidelines. Refer to the chart below.

Required Documents

When completing the online grant application, applicants will specify the number of household members in their residence and the type and amount of gross income earned by each.  Applicants will also be required to upload verification documents to support the gross income amount specified.

Acceptable Documents for Each Income Source

The following is a listing of common sources of income followed by the acceptable income verification documents for each.

  • Wages & Tips: Last 4 check stubs or employer payroll statements (pay periods immediately prior to your application submission date).
  • Self-employment income: Prior year’s IRS 1040 form and any included schedules or forms.
  • Investment income: Prior year’s IRS 1040 form and any included schedules or forms.
  • Rental property income: Prior year’s IRS 1040 form and any included schedules or forms.
  • Unemployment: Current year Mississippi Department of Employment Security Notice of Monetary Benefit Determination.
  • Alimony: Court-ordered documentation that outlines the amount received and frequency.
  • Child Support: Court-ordered documentation that outlines the amount received and frequency.
  • Social Security income: Current year Social Security Administration Benefit Verification Letter.
  • Social Security Disability: Social Security Disability benefits statement.
  • Pension: Prior year’s Tax Return (IRS Form 1040) including IRS FORM 1099R.
  • IRA: Prior year’s IRS 1040 form and any included schedules or forms.
  • Worker’s Compensation: Copy of letter from insurance company or court that handled case.
  • Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF): TANF proof of benefits letter or statement from the current year.
  • Other Income: If you have an income source that is not listed, simply select “other” when prompted for an income source on the online application. Then specify the income source and the documentation you are providing in the space provided.

How to Provide Documentation
It is easy to provide verification documents when completing the online C2C Grant Application on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

To upload verification documents, simply:

  1. Click “Upload” when prompted to start.
  2. Take a picture(s) of the specified document(s) using a smartphone or tablet or
  3. Select the image(s) or file(s) to upload, and
  4. Click Save.

Tax Returns:
For more information on how you can obtain copies of your tax returns, call 800-908-9946 and follow the prompts in the recorded message, or you can request a transcript of your tax return online or by mail on the IRS site.

Alimony/Child Support:
To obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree, contact the clerk’s office in the county where the divorce and/or child support agreement was finalized for additional information.

C2C Grant Email Notifications

Emails You'll Receive At Each Step of the Process

Here are emails updates you can anticipate receiving from C2C.

When you apply for the C2C Grant, you’ll receive emails at each step of the application process. 

All grant emails will be sent to the email address you used when you first registered for C2C unless you updated this email with your C2C Coach.

  • All notification emails will be sent from: ‘MSC2C’ (infoforyou@msc2c.org)
  • Please note that in some cases the email may be flagged and routed to your spam folder.
  • If are missing an anticipated email notification and unable to locate it, contact your C2C Coach for further direction.

When you receive it: Once the Grant application is initiated

Why you received it: To provide you with details regarding your Grant request, directions for completing the application and a secure link to access the application.

What it contains:

  • Confirmation of intention to apply for the C2C Grant
  • Note that the application link expires and the grant is therefore denied after 30 days
  • Next Steps
    • Review the award request
    • Follow the directions below BEFORE you begin
  • A brief description of the C2C Grant
  • Your C2C Grant Award Request
    • Tuition/Graduation fees amount
    • Total amount
  • Directions to apply
  • What you will need
  • Listing of Acceptable Income Documents
  • A secure link to your C2C Grant application

When you receive it: Once you submit your application successfully.

Why you received it: To confirm you have successfully submitted your application

What it contains:

  • Confirmation that your application was successfully submitted and received
  • Next steps for first-time applicants to submit FAFSA and MAAPP
  • The Grant application summary

When you receive it: Once your application has been reviewed and found to meet the qualifications.

Why you received it: To confirm you that you have been pre-approved (first-time applicants) for a grant award.

What it contains:

  • Confirmation that the review is complete, and the application is pre-approved
  • C2C Grant Award Request
    • Tuition/graduation fees amount
  • Information about the next steps of completing FAFSA & MAAPP
  • Noting that FAFSA and MAAPP are required

When you receive it: Once your application has met all the qualifications. For first-time applicants, this is also prompted by verification that the FAFSA & MAAPP applications have been received.

Why you received it: Notification that you have been approved for a grant award.

What it contains:

  • Congratulations on your grant being approved
  • C2C Grant Award Request
    • Tuition/graduation fees amount
  • Information about the next steps of coach verification of enrollment or degree audit completion
  • Directions for renewing a C2C Grant

When you receive it: Once your enrollment or degree audit completion has been verified.

Why you received it: Notification that your C2C Grant has been funded.

What it contains:

  • Congratulations on your grant being funded
  • Award distribution information
    • Tuition/graduation fees amount
  • Provides expectation of timeline for receipt of funds

Issue and Exception Notifications

Here are emails you should look out for notifying you of special circumstances with your application.

When you receive it: 3 days prior to the deadline for submitting your application

Why you received it: You haven’t submitted your application and your deadline is near.

What it contains:

  • The Initiated date
  • Note that application link expires, and grant is denied after 3 days
  • A secure link to your C2C Grant application

When you receive it: Upon completion of your application review.

Why you received it: Notifying you that your C2C Grant has been denied.

What it contains:

  • Notification that the grant application has been retracted
  • Important dates
  • Denial reason and requirements not met
  • Recommendation to contact your coach if your circumstances change

When you receive it: Once your denied Grant application has been initiated for resubmission.

Why you received it: To provide you with details regarding your Grant request, directions for completing the application and a secure link to access the application.

What it contains:

  • Confirmation of intention to apply for the C2C Grant
  • Notification that the application link expires, and the grant is therefore denied after 7 days
  • Next Steps depending on the reason for denial
  • Your C2C Grant Award Request
    • Tuition/Graduation fees amount
  • Directions to apply
  • What You Will Need
  • Income Documentation table
  • A secure link to your C2C Grant application

When you receive it: Immediately following review of your application when an exception is noted requiring you to take action to provide additional documentation and/or information.

Why you received it: Notifying you of an issue with your application that requires correction.

What it contains:

  • Notice that an exception was found in your grant application
  • Note that exception link expires and grant is denied after the correction resubmission deadline passes
  • Directions for correction and resubmission
  • Important dates including the Correction Resubmission Deadline
  • Exception reason, requirements not met, required action and any additional comments
  • A secure link to your C2C Grant application

When you receive it: 3 Days prior to the deadline for responding to the exception.

Why you received it: You haven’t corrected and resubmitted your grant application and you run the risk of being denied if you do not respond by the deadline.

What it contains:

  • Notice that an exception was found in your grant application
  • Note that exception link expires, and grant is denied after the correction resubmission deadline passes
  • Directions for correction and resubmission
  • Important dates including the Correction Resubmission Deadline
  • Exception reason, requirements not met, required action and any additional comments
  • A secure link to your C2C Grant application

Please note that application exceptions must be corrected and resubmitted within 7 days of the exception date. Applications with unresolved exceptions after the correction resubmission deadline passes will be automatically denied.

When you receive it: If a correction was required to your grant award request.

Why you received it: Notifying you that there was an error in the C2C Grant award request amount, specifying the amounts adjusted.

What it contains:

  • Notification that an adjustment was required to the award request.
  • Assurance that the adjustment does not impact your grant approval process.
  • Adjusted C2C Grant Award Request
    • Original Tuition/Graduation fees amount and Adjusted Tuition/Graduation fees amount.

When you receive it: After the award is funded and an issue is identified disqualifying the award.

Why you received it: Notifying you that your C2C Grant has been retracted.

What it contains:

  • Notification that a retraction is required to the award request
  • Important dates
  • The retraction reason and requirements not met
  • Award retraction details
    • Tuition/Graduation fees amount

When you receive it: After your award has been funded and an issue is identified requiring the adjustment of your award distribution.

Why you received it: Notifying you of your C2C Grant requires an adjustment to the funded award.

What it contains:

  • Notification that an adjustment is required to the award distribution
  • Important dates
  • Adjusted C2C Grant Award Distribution
    • Original and Adjusted Tuition/Graduation fees amount

Still, have questions? 
Please contact your C2C Coach if you have questions regarding any of this information.

"By pursuing my degree through the C2C program and the award of the C2C Grant, I was able to earn my bachelor’s degree without having to pay very much at all.

It felt great to walk across the stage and graduate Magna Cum Laude. C2C can make this possible for you."
Segunna Mixon
Segunna MixonAlcorn University
"By pursuing my degree through the C2C program and the award of the C2C Grant, I was able to earn my bachelor’s degree without having to pay very much at all.

It felt great to walk across the stage and graduate Magna Cum Laude. C2C can make this possible for you."
Segunna Mixon
Segunna MixonAlcorn University
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Complete 2 Compete (C2C) is a state program designed to help Mississippi adults complete their college degrees and create a brighter future.

The C2C program and grant are funded by the Mississippi Department of Human Services and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

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