University of Southern Miss. and MGCCC announce new collaborative “Coastal Pathways Scholarships” for transfer students

Mississippi Gulf Coast (WXXV)- The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) held a joint press conference today to unveil the new Coastal Pathways Scholarship, a collaborative effort designed to create a clear and affordable route for MGCCC graduates pursuing certain science, business, and teaching careers to complete their bachelor’s degrees at USM Gulf Park.

With Mississippi currently experiencing a teacher shortage, this program is particularly appealing to students considering a career in education. It offers hands-on teaching experience and a stipend, allowing students to earn while they learn. The program not only helps address the state’s teacher shortage but also encourages more students to enter the teaching profession.

This new scholarship opportunity offers $5,000 annually to qualified transfer students from MGCCC and is renewable with continued eligibility. The initiative reflects both institutions’ commitment to student success and workforce development across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

To qualify for the Coastal Pathways Scholarship, students must:

• Have most recently attended MGCCC with enrollment since 2023
• Earn an associate degree from MGCCC or have completed at least 60 credit hours with a minimum transfer cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Declare one of the following majors at Southern Miss Gulf Park:
  • Biological Sciences
  • Business Administration (General Business)
  • Elementary Education
  • Marine Biology
  • Marine Science (Hydrography)
  • Ocean Engineering
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Psychology
  • Secondary Education

Students must also enroll in at least 15 credit hours per semester, including a minimum of nine credit hours of face-to-face instruction on the Gulf Park campus, and maintain a 2.5 GPA to remain eligible.

For more information on eligibility and the application process, prospective students are encouraged to visit the Gulf Park Coastal Pathways Scholarship website.