Bainbridge College (BC) is providing two information sessions about the HOPE scholarship and grant program on Monday, March 21, at the BC Early County Center (BCEC) and on the Bainbridge campus.

These sessions are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and are for students and other interested persons.

The proposed legislation passed both houses of the General Assembly Friday and is expected to be signed by Gov. Nathan Deal next week.

The legislation would make several changes to the HOPE program, including caps on tuition, eliminating or cutting the use of HOPE money for student fees and textbooks.

However, the bill was amended to shortened the pre-kindergarten school year from 180 to 160 days, but keep the class time the same.

There is no charge to attend the sessions, according to Interim Director of Financial Aid Richard Messersmith.

Featured speaker, Carol Ann Lott, who is Georgia Student Finance Commission representative for southwest Georgia, will present basic information on the HOPE scholarship and grant programs and how the governor’s proposed legislation will affect the programs. After her presentation, she will open the floor for questions from students and other attendees.

The 1 p.m. presentation will be at BCEC in Room 141.

The main campus session is set for 7 p.m. in the new Student Wellness Center gymnasium.

“This presentation is not only for current BC students but also open to any current high school student and their parents, even if the student is not planning to attend BC,” Messersmith said. “This will be a great opportunity for current and future college students and their parents to learn about the proposed legislation changes so that they will not be surprised on enrollment day.”