Oxford waives application fee for Newton County Schools students
By Staff Reports
Newton County Schools superintendent, Dr. Duke Bradley, III (left) and Dr. Badia Ahad, Dean of Oxford College of Emory University. | Photo Courtesy of Newton County Schools
OXFORD, Ga. — Newton County Schools (NCS) announced Friday that Oxford College of Emory University has waived the $75 application fee for all NCS students applying to the college.
It’s an initiative that’s part of an ongoing partnership between the school system and Oxford/Emory aimed at making higher education more accessible to students in the Covington/Newton community.
Dr. Kelley Lips, Dean of Enrollment Services at Oxford College, shared insights into how this decision was made.
"We recognize the amazing talent of our local students here in Newton County,” Lips said. “It is not uncommon for students to be reluctant to attend their local college or university. They often think it is too close to home and they won't have a true college experience. To address this, we decided to encourage them to consider Oxford as a viable option on their list of schools.
Lips called it part of an ongoing plan and process to bolster the relationship between Oxford and the greater Newton County community.
“This initiative is part of several efforts we've introduced to strengthen our connection with local students and educational partners,” Lips added. “By waiving the application fee, we aim to make the college application process more accessible and appealing, while encouraging students to explore the opportunities that await them at Oxford College."
Lips called the application fee waiver an effort designed to give prospective college students one less obstacle to overcome in their pursuit for postsecondary education.
"Our primary goal in waiving the application fee for NCS students is to reduce the financial burden associated with applying to college,” Lips said. “We understand that the application process can be costly, and we want to alleviate this pressure for local families. Additionally, we aim to deepen our partnerships with the local community and school systems, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the education of students in Newton County."
NCS Superintendent, Dr. Duke Bradley, III, was elated with Oxford’s gesture.
"This collaboration with Oxford College is a meaningful step toward providing our students with opportunities that can transform their futures,” Bradley said. “By removing barriers to access, we are opening doors for our students to pursue their academic goals without the worry of financial constraints. The Newton County Board of Education and I are grateful to Oxford College for their continued support and commitment to the success of our students."
Oxford College of Emory University dean, Dr. Badia Ahad was equally excited for the possibilities of this portion of the school’s relationship with NCS.
"At Oxford College, we recognize the significance of making higher education more accessible,” Ahad said. “Waiving the application fee is a small yet meaningful step in our continuous efforts to enhance our collaboration with Newton County Schools. Our aim is to present ourselves as a viable and attractive option for academically talented students in our community."