Beginning today, first-year, full-time students enrolled at Southwest Tennessee Community College and the Tennessee Technology Center at Memphis can log on to the STEP website -  www.shelbycountystep.org - and apply for the Last Dollar Scholarship. Applicants must be a resident of Shelby County, complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for all eligible grants and scholarships available through federal and state agencies, as well as through the attending institution. A Last Dollar Scholarship is awarded when the student's official Expected Family Contribution, indicated on the Student Aid Report, and financial aid package totals are less than the cost of tuition and fees.

"STEP provides the opportunity for students and mentors to form a supportive network that imbues our own philanthropic spirit and keeps students on track to complete their post-secondary education and successfully enter our workforce with valuable skills and training," remarked Mayor Wharton.

Scholarship recipients are automatically inducted into the STEP Mentoring program. Scholars receive individualized coaching and guidance through an innovative web-based program supported by a volunteer team of mentors known as the Mayor's 100. Online mentoring tools guide students to think and work strategically using project-based instruction. Scholars collaborate with mentors on a comprehensive action plan that guides them to define clear goals and specific action items toward completing their post-secondary education.

"Many first generation students will certainly benefit from this outstanding initiative; we are extraordinarily pleased that Mayor Wharton has a vision to ensure that deserving students achieve their educational goals," said Southwest Tennessee Community College President Dr. Nathan Essex. "Simultaneously, these individuals will be able to enrich their lives, contribute to the economic development of our community and improve the overall quality of life for themselves and their families."

Lana Pierce, Interim Director for the Tennessee Technology Center at Memphis, added, "The scholarship program not only provides financial assistance, but it also pairs the student and his/her family with the Mayor's 100 mentoring team to ensure a smooth transition from high school to the post-secondary setting.   STEP could be the defining bridge to a successful career for many high school graduates and TTCM is grateful to be an educational partner in this innovative approach to community development."

STEP is privately funded and aims to increase access to funding for post-secondary education and technical training, increase admission rates of state-funded community college and technical training programs in Shelby County, and increase the number of skilled workers entering the job market.