Individualized counseling and noncognitive skill development promotes success.
MESA, Arizona – September 11, 2015 – Mesa Community College has been awarded a TRIO Student Support Services Grant (SSS) from the U.S. Department of Education to help college students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds succeed in obtaining a higher education. MCC will receive $220,000 annually for 5 years to increase retention, graduation and transfer rates of eligible students.
“Educational attainment is one of our critical community needs in Mesa. Last year alone more than 12,000, or 79%, of MCC students who applied for financial aid were considered eligible for TRIO-SSS participation,” said Dr. Shouan Pan, MCC President. “This grant positions MCC to participate in a nationwide effort to provide effective evidence-based interventions to help more students succeed in attaining a higher education.”
Each semester 140 eligible students will be selected to participate in the MCC SSS program. Program participants will receive individualized counseling, be required to attend weekly program activities such as orientations, panel discussions, coaching sessions, workshops, seminars and cultural events.
“All students feel anxious, depressed, confused, or overwhelmed at some point during their college experience,” said Meredith Warner, MCC Dean of Student Affairs. “Evidence shows that the mastery of noncognitive skills and behaviors can be promoted through interactions with 2nd year college students, and individualized counseling promote success, both vital components of MCC’s initiative.”
Feedback, from current MCC students meeting SSS eligibility, lead MCC to envelope several existing programs with new elements to more effectively help high-need students succeed in earning a college degree.
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Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its service-learning, civic engagement and innovative educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and life-long learning. Host to 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degrees and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC’s student body hails predominantly from the East Valley of Phoenix and includes Veteran, American Indian and International students who enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015, MCC is one of 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The District also includes the Maricopa Corporate College and two skill centers. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) http://www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440.
The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.