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| U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows (R-Jackson County), third from right, presents a check representing a $1.38 million TRIO grant SCC received for its Student Support Services program to college representatives, from left: Cheryl Contino-Conner, dean of students; Dr. Thom Brooks, executive vice president for instruction and student services; Dr. Don Tomas, president; Dr. Mark Ellison, director of Student Support Services; Lynda Parlett, executive director of institutional development. |
The United States Department of Education recently awarded Southwestern Community College a $1.38 million grant for the TRIO Student Support Services program.
Since the program started at SCC in 1990, more than 1,500 students have been served – significantly boosting SCC’s graduation and transfer rates.
The grant funds the program for another five years.
“We’re pleased the U.S. Department of Education will continue this program, which has touched so many lives over the past quarter-century,” said Dr. Don Tomas, president of SCC. “Long before I arrived here in 2011, leaders of this college recognized and emphasized the significance of Student Support Services. That’s resulted in the strong, vibrant program that continues to provide priceless support to a significant population of our students.”
Led by Dr. Mark Ellison, SCC’s Student Support Services program serves eligible students who are either first-generation college students, meet income eligibility criteria or have a documented disability.
Students in the program have access to academic advising; financial literacy and scholarship workshops; free tutoring; assistance transferring to four-year institutions, including campus visitations; supplemental grant aid and scholarships; academic, personal and career counseling; and enrichment programs including cultural outings, outdoor adventure activities and community service days.
“It is inspiring to work with our students and see what they achieve,” Dr. Ellison said. “Our purpose is to support students and help them reach their academic goals, which can have a tremendous impact on their life going forward.”
Over the past five years, Southwesten’s Student Support Services program has met 100 percent of its achievement objectives related to student academic standing, persistence, graduation rates and transfer rates.
For more information about SCC’s Student Support Services program, visit www.southwesterncc.edu/sss or call 828.339.4420.
