The C2C Grant application is fully online and applications are being accepted NOW!
What to Expect
How to Get Started
Simply contact your C2C Coach to initiate the grant application process.
Don’t have a C2C coach? Qualify for the C2C program today!
Complete 2 Compete provides programs and support that have made it possible for former students to return and complete their degrees. The C2C Grant is just one of those programs. It provides $1,000 each semester to qualifying C2C program participants to help them overcome the financial barriers that keep adults from returning to complete their degree.
C2C Grant Features
Contact your C2C Coach to initiate your grant and get your application link today!
Don’t have a C2C coach? Qualify for the C2C program today!
To be eligible to apply for a C2C Grant, here are the requirements:
To qualify for the grant factors that are considered can include:
OR
First-time Applicants:
First-time applicants must also submit the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
This helps ensure you are considered for all available state and federal assistance as you return to complete your degree. Refer to the section “Completing the Mississippi Aid Application” for complete details.
To be awarded a grant:
Grant money is awarded once an applicant is approved and enrollment is verified or degree eligibility is confirmed.
Only returning students who qualify for the C2C program are eligible to apply for the renewable $1,000 C2C Grant.
Returning students who qualify for the C2C program are eligible for grant renewal if they fulfill the following requirements:
Renewing grant applicants do not need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP).
NOTE: If you are a C2C returning student who does not qualify for a grant renewal because you failed to maintain continuous enrollment, but you have extenuating circumstances, let your coach know. You may be eligible for a renewal policy exception. Your coach will explain the requirements and, if needed, assist you in completing a Renewal Exception Request.
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 is a summary of the C2C Grant application process. It includes the steps and timing associated with each phase of the process: 1. Applying for a C2C Grant; 2. Reviewing of your grant application; 3. Awarding of your grant funds once approved.
KEEPING YOU INFORMED
C2C Grant applicants receive email notifications at each step of the application process. This helps ensure you’re kept updated on the progress of your grant application.
All grant emails will be sent to the email address you used when you completed the survey application to qualify for the C2C program, unless you updated this email with your C2C Coach.
1. APPLYING FOR THE C2C GRANT
There are two steps to the C2C Grant application process: initiating the grant application and submitting the online application.
Note: Grant applications not received within 30 days of date of the initiated email will be automatically denied.
2. REVIEWING YOUR C2C GRANT APPLICATION
The application review process will be completed within ten (10) to fourteen (14) days from submission.
Application Approvals — The following outlines the application review process for first-time and renewal applicants.
3. AWARDING YOUR C2C GRANT
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.
Steps to Awarding a C2C Grant — The following are the steps leading to the distribution of your grant award.
Grant Award Distribution Timeline Requirements — C2C Grants Awards must be distributed prior to the term completion.
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.
The following is a listing of common sources of income followed by the acceptable income 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 and income source that is not listed, simply select “other” when prompted for income source on the online application. Then specify the income source and the documentation you are providing in the space provided
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.
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:
Every person living in the same residence regardless of whether they are related or not; this includes, domestic partners, adults related by blood or marriage, persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents, stepchildren, grandparents, and grandchildren. This also includes dependent children who receive more than half of their support from you, regardless of whether they live with you.
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:
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.
In addition to completing the C2C Grant application, first-time applicants must also complete the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) and be identified as an eligible C2C student.
To assist you in completing the MAAPP we have provided you with the required responses to each of the questions.
MAAPP Questions and Responses Required for Eligibility
If you answer all the previous questions to match the requirements specified above, you will be provided the following C2C Screening questions:
NOTE: If you did not see the three C2C Screening questions above, please go back and review your answers using the above guidelines. To be identified as an eligible C2C student and C2C Grant applicant, you must be able to access the C2C Screening questions and answer them as specified.
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 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.
To ensure the C2C program serves those most in need and comply with funding source requirements, C2C has earmarked a greater allocation of C2C Grant funds to returning students with a household income not exceeding 200% of the federal poverty level guidelines, those with dependent children, and persons of color. C2C has adopted income guidelines to meet these objectives.
C2C Grant Household Income Guidelines
C2C Grant applicants receive email notifications at each step of the application process. This helps ensure you’re kept updated on the progress of your grant application.
All grant emails will be sent to the email address you used when you completed the survey application to qualify for the C2C program, unless you updated this email with your C2C Coach.
All notification emails will be sent from: ‘MSC2C’ (inforforyou@msc2c.org).
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:
Application – Final Notice
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Application – Final Notice
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:
Application Submission Confirmation Email
When you receive it: After resubmission of your corrected application after original application was denied
Why you received it: Confirming you successfully resubmitted your application.
What it contains:
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:
Exception Notice – Final
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:
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.
Application Submission Confirmation Email
When you receive it: After resubmission of your corrected application after exception was noted.
Why you received it: Confirming you successfully resubmitted your application.
What it contains:
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:
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:
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:
A wealth of resources and support are available through the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) for lower income individuals and families. This vital organization provides a wide range of public assistance programs and social services to improve the lives of Mississippians and help them become self-sufficient and engaged in improving their futures.
MDHS provides primary support for the Complete 2 Compete Program and serves as an invaluable resource to adults working to complete their degrees. Discover more about the services MDHS offers.