NEW IBERIA – South Louisiana Community College has officially opened the doors for its new program aimed at helping residents in three South Louisiana parishes access higher education.
SLCC recently received a five-year, $1.16M grant from the U.S. Department of Education through a program known as TRiO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) grant. The funding aims to help colleges provide enhanced college admissions and support services to underserved populations. SLCC received funding to create a Southern Rural Educational Opportunity Center, which will serve the populations of Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary parishes.
Nationwide, these programs are traditionally found in areas with populations of disadvantaged, underserved residents with a desire to attend a college or university. Services are open to residents 19 years of age or older. Participants can be US citizens, permanent residents, resident aliens, or people who show intent to become a permanent resident.
Services include:
- information on high school equivalency attainment, postsecondary education opportunities, and student financial assistance;
- assistance and enrollment for those desiring to complete high school equivalency requirements (HiSET) and continue through to college;
- assistance with completing applications for college admissions, testing, and financial aid (FAFSA);
- academic, career, and technical programs selection guidance;
- personal counseling, program advising, and career workshops;
- tutoring, mentoring, education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants; and
- programs and activities previously mentioned that are specially designed for students who are limited English proficient.
The program also serves students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of foster care system, or other disconnected students. The grant also serves Veterans and their families.
“Program representatives are on standby to guide adults as they consider the best possible solutions to meet their educational needs and career goals, whether it is enrolling at SLCC or any other college or university in the region,” said Andre Perez, SLCC Executive Director of Academic and Strategic Initiatives. “For adults who haven’t achieved high school equivalency, this grant can help these individuals enroll in a local Adult Education program and concurrently enroll in a college program, all while preparing to take the HiSET exam.”
For more information about SLCC’s Southern Rural Educational Opportunity Centers, to make an appointment to meet with a representative, or to apply to the program, please visit the College’s website at www.solacc.edu/college-for-you, email eoc@solacc.edu, or call 337-373-3244.
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ABOUT ACADIANA’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE
South Louisiana Community College is a comprehensive community college that operates campuses in Abbeville, Crowley, Franklin, Lafayette, Morgan City, New Iberia, Opelousas, St. Martinville, and Ville Platte. The college serves more than 17,000 students annually and offers an array of academic programs. Students earn associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, and industry-based certifications. It is ranked 14th among the Top 100 Associate Degree Producers as determined by Community College Week.