Edmonds Community College announced Monday that it will be offering free textbooks to qualifying students for the upcoming fall quarter.

Any graduating high school senior from the Edmonds School District with a 2.5 GPA or higher, that registers at Edmonds CC for at least 15 credits this fall, will receive a scholarship covering the cost of their first quarter textbooks (up to $500).

Students who apply will be asked to complete the FAFSA or WASFA, provide high school transcripts, and register full-time before vouchers will be issued for free textbooks at the campus bookstore. The offer also applies to graduating EdCAP students within the Edmonds School District.

The free book incentive was prompted by recent research indicating that learners who attend college full-time are more engaged, get better grades, and have higher rates of completion than part-time students.

The program aims to increase student access to educational and career opportunities and to strengthen the relationship between Edmonds CC and the school district.

Funds will be provided by Barnes & Noble, Financial Aid special funds, and the Edmonds CC Foundation. The Foundation hopes to build additional interest in funding the program, which would enable Edmonds CC to offer the scholarship annually and expand it to other school districts.

To learn more or apply for the free books program, visit edcc.edu/freebooks.