By Dora Gilreath
Entertainment Editor
Starting out college, especially as a first year college student, can be a challenge for many. For Crowder students, there are several programs designed to help students with their first years of college education as well as ways to prepare for future college and career endeavors, such as the Student Success Center, College Assistance Migrant Program, and Project Now.
According to the official College Board website, some good tips for first generation college students include getting to know your academic advisor and learning the office hours of professors.
In addition, career study programs and on campus jobs, such as working in the bookstore or library, can help earn some extra money and build a future resume. Not only this, joining a team or a student organization can also build a resume.
For basic assistance and resources, whether first starting out or a month away from graduation, the Student Success Center is there with assistance and resources. According to the Crowder website, the Student Success Center, “offers advising, tutoring services, disability services, special accommodations testing, retention and student success services, as well as information for transfer services.”
The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) is a program that Crowder offers for migrant students. According to the Crowder Website, CAMP “ is a federally funded program designed to provide an opportunity for students from an agricultural and or migrant background to successfully complete their freshman year of college.” Some of the aid provided include monthly stipends, financial assistance for room and board, textbooks, and tuition. In addition, students that are a part of the program receive academic, career, and personal advising, scholarship and transfer assistance, and tutoring.
Project Now is another program that Crowder offers and is a part of the TRIO umbrella of programs. According to the Crowder Website, the program is designed to “improve the retention, graduation, and successful transfer of our participants.”
McKinzie Peterson, a sophmore and former Upward Bound member, voiced her opinion on being a member of Project Now. “My experience with the TRIO program has made me have the best college experience I could have ever hoped for. All of the staff have been super helpful and kind every time I go to their office to talk to the about my education or personal things.”
“This program gave me something I was wanting and needing as I attended college. When I started attending Crowder as a first generation college student, I had a lot of concerns about anything and everything. It was through this program that I have received a ton of support, new friends, involvement with Crowder, a scholarship opportunity, and so much more.”
“My favorite part about the program is the workshops that provide free food, study tips, filling out the FAFSA, and making new friends. I love the cultural trips because they provide me the opportunity to make new friends, see new places, and try new things. It has guided and helped me become successful with my education and personal goals.”
Crowder College provides several programs that provide general aid for students. Crowder College and community colleges in general may be an option for students who are worried about college costs and need assistance.
According to U.S. News, some reasons that students attend community college over other universities include saving money, academic flexibility, financial aid provisions, a school life balance, opportunities for technical and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, transfer programs, professional and short term certificates, and options for online classes.
Overall, Crowder programs such as the Student Success Center, Camp, and Project Now are designed to provide financial aid and assistance for future schooling and career goals.
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