Ben and LaVonne Copeland are committed supporters of technical education and rural healthcare. Ben has served as a member of the Wiregrass Technical College Board of Directors, Wiregrass Foundation Trustee, Technical College System of Georgia Board of Directors and currently serves on the Technical College System of Georgia Foundation Board of Trustees. Ben is also a long-time member of the Valdosta Hospital Authority.

The Ben & LaVonne Copeland Scholarship provides $5,000 divided over a maximum of three semesters ($1,000 first and second semester & $3,000 for third semester) to up to thirteen (13) Wiregrass students enrolled in the LPN to RN Bridge program. Students with a GPA of 2.5 enrolled on the Valdosta Wiregrass campus. This scholarship is eligible for application for fall semester only.

NOTE: Foundation funds are to assist students with expenses related to the student’s attendance at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. The Foundation North serves Atkinson, Ben Hill, Coffee, Irwin, and Wilcox counties. The Foundation South serves Berrien, Brooks, Cook, Echols, Lanier, and Lowndes counties.

Scholarship Criteria

1. This is a $5,000 scholarship which will be presented over a maximum of three semesters to the LPN to RN Bridge Program student. ($1,000 for the first and second semester and $3,000 for the third semester)
2. Applicants must be employed at South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) or have a signed letter of intent from SGMC.
3. Students must have and maintain a 2.5 grade point average to be eligible to apply.
4. Students must be enrolled in the LPN to RN Bridge Program.
5. Students attending the Valdosta Wiregrass Georgia Technical College campus are eligible.
6. Selection of students will be made by the WGTC Foundation Selection Committee.
7. Scholarship can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, or any items the student needs to succeed in school.
8. If the student withdraws from WGTC for any reason, the remaining part of the scholarship is void and the remaining funds will be given to the next qualified applicant. If no such applicant exits the funds will revert back to the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation.
9. If the student graduates prior to all funds from the scholarship being exhausted, any remaining funds will revert back to the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation.
10. Foundation office will ensure the student writes a progress note to the donor each semester.
11. Only completed applications will be considered.
12. All application deadlines will be strictly adhered to. Late applications will not be excepted.
13. Acceptance of this award will not preclude the student from receiving other financial aid for which he/she may be eligible.

Questions regarding Scholarship criteria or eligibility should be directed to Mona Paulk at the Foundation Office at 229-468-2102.

Here’s How to Apply

1. Fill out the online application fully. Incomplete applications will be denied or delayed.
2. Completely answer scholarship questionnaire
3. Provide proof of employment or letter of intent from SGMC
4. Turn in completed application by published deadline:

By signing below, I give the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation Office permission to check my records, financial aid, and any other information given on this form to process this request for assistance. I understand that false information will result in a denial of my request. If awarded assistance, I also give permission to use my name, picture, program of study and other directory information in media releases and reports. I also understand that withdrawing from school could impact my eligibility for any future scholarships.