Gadsden State students given second opportunity to benefit from Book Assistance Program

Gadsden, Ala. — Many students attending Gadsden State Community College received support in the form of the Book Assistance Program for the fall semester. Now, current students can continue to receive that support during the spring semester through the College’s Vaccination Incentive Program.

“Over 2,300 students qualified in August to purchase required books and tools at one of Gadsden State’s two bookstores,” said Dr. Kathy Murphy, president. “Students may have saved as much as $500 thanks to the assistance program.”

Gadsden State spent over $862,000 on the Book Assistance Program. The College has used portions of its allocations from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to cover the costs of the program.

“Students could purchase required textbooks for academic, health science and career technical courses as well as required tools,” she said.

Through Oct. 15, students can submit proof of vaccination for COVID-19 to become eligible for the Book Assistance Program for the spring semester.

“Any student who submits proof of vaccination will be able to save up to $500 again,” Murphy said. “The decision to participate in the Vaccination Incentive Program is completely up to the individual. It is not required but it is encouraged.”

There is also an incentive program for Gadsden State employees. Full-time employees who are fully vaccinated will receive a $50 voucher to the Gadsden State Cafeteria or bookstore. Part-time employees will receive a $25 voucher.

Students and employees can submit proof of vaccination by logging into the internal portal known as MyGadsdenState. Proof of full vaccination must be completed by the Oct. 15 deadline to qualify.

Those who participated in the vaccination clinics held on Sept. 1 and 8 on the Wallace Drive and Ayers campuses, respectively, are reminded to return for their second vaccine to ensure that they are fully vaccinated. Second-shot clinics will be from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 29 at the Beck Conference Center on the Wallace Drive Campus and from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Oct. 6 in the Cain Learning Resource Center on the Ayers Campus. An appointment is not necessary.