Pearl River Community College will receive a $1.8 million Federal Student Support Services/TRiO grant for the years 2020-2025.
The total funding for the first academic year is $372,972. Pearl River Community College has received funding for the Student Support Services Program for over 20 years and has already assisted well over 1,600 students in graduating.
“It means everything to the students to receive this grant,” said SSS Director Georgia Field. “Especially now during this difficult time they need our support, advice and assistance more than ever. We typically see students in our program begin to build up their levels of confidence, determination and sense of belonging. They begin to have academic confidence that they have never had before. We have a support system in place that lays the foundation for their academic successes. We have a great team in place that makes it all possible.”
SSS helps college students who are low income, who are first generation (those whose parents do not have a four-year college degree) and students with disabilities. The array of services the grant will provide are comprehensive and will include academic tutoring, financial aid advice, career and college mentoring, help in choosing courses, transfer assistance, and other forms of assistance. Such services enhance academic success and make it more likely that students will graduate or transfer to a 4-year institution.
SSS began in 1968 and is one of the eight federal “TRIO” programs authorized by the Higher Education Act to help college students succeed in higher education. It recognizes that students whose parents do not have a college degree have more difficulties navigating the complexity of decisions that college requires for success; it bolsters students from low income families who have not had the academic opportunities that their college peers have had, and helps students with disabilities remove obstacles preventing them from thriving academically. This vital program can and does make all the difference.
“We have a unique set of challenges that will allow us to be creative in figuring out how to best serve our students and their needs,” said Field. “Most of all, we are excited to get the new school year started and see students back on campus continuing to succeed.”
For questions regarding the services that PRCC Student Support Services department offers to students or if you would like to participate in the SSS Program, please contact Georgia Field, SSS Director, at gfield@prcc.edu or by phone at (601) 403-1469.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats) Instagram](PRCCWILDCATS) and Facebook(@PRCCMKTG).
–
Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policy or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publications, contact Eddie Sandifer, ADA Coordinator, 101 Hwy 11 N., Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1215. For inquiries regarding Title IX, contact Alexandra Kennedy, Title IX Coordinator, at 101 Hwy 11 N., Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1253.
