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HUNTINGTON Ƶ Mountwest Community and Technical College was one of 11 colleges awarded grants from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System aimed at recruiting and retaining first-generation students.
According to the ƵHEPC, the First-Generation Student Success Grants provide funding of up to $5,000 to help institutions implement programs and initiatives to address the unique challenges first-generation students may face when earning their degrees.
The colleges who were awarded grants are:
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
BridgeValley Community and Technical College
Concord University
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Fairmont State University
Mountwest Community and Technical College
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Pierpont Community and Technical College
West Liberty University
West Virginia Northern Community College
ƵU Potomac State College
ƵThis is going to be used to help recognize and celebrate as well as engage first-generation students,Ƶ James McDougle, vice president of student services at Mountwest, told The Herald-Dispatch.
McDougle
Photo courtesy James McDougle
McDougle said, most recently, the college hosted a luncheon for first-generation students, as well as some faculty and staff who were also first-generation students and were available to answer questions.
He said the college has future events coming up, such as a first-generation week to celebrate students in the college lobby, give out free Mountwest swag and provide an opportunity to connect with other first-generation students.
ƵFirst-generation students is a unique group in terms of, going to college is scary for anybody, but if you donƵt have that support system thatƵs been through college before Ƶ a mom, a dad, a grandparent, an aunt, uncle, whoever it may be Ƶ it could be even more scary for you,Ƶ McDougle said.
ƵThis grant is allowing us to really focus on getting those students engaged and making them know that theyƵre not alone and that we have the support services that can help them.Ƶ
McDougle said he was also a first-generation student, and his high school guidance counselor pushed him to go to college. His counselor was able to connect him with someone at his college of choice to provide support for him throughout the admissions process.
ƵThose admissions folks, the advisors, the people in the student services area really can make a difference,Ƶ McDougle said. ƵThey engaged with me. I felt comfortable going to them, and they checked up on me, and I credit that for the reason why I made it through that first year. Especially that first year.Ƶ
Right now, McDougle said the college is focused on more than 500 first-generation students who may need additional support. He said this support may range from helping them apply for and understand financial aid or providing additional guidance on how to set up and manage a course load.
Ƶ($5,000) is not a lot, but if you plan it accordingly, I think we can make a big impact,Ƶ McDougle said.
Katelyn Aluise is an education and court reporter.
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