Piedmont Community College (PCC) students over age 50 who are enrolled in health care and human services programs at PCC now have access to additional support services to help them succeed in reaching their educational goals. PCC was recently chosen to join the Plus 50 Encore Completion Program, a national effort to train 10,000 baby boomers for new jobs in health care, education, and social services.
“The grant will enable PCC to expand and enhance academic and support services for students 50 and over enrolled in the Human Services, Human Services-Social Services Concentration, Medical Assisting, and Associate Degree Nursing programs as well as those seeking Health Care Technology and Phlebotomy certificates,” said Dr. Walter Bartlett, PCC President. “To ensure the Plus 50 Program has the greatest impact for our students and community, PCC is targeting academic programs leading to careers in high-demand fields that offer current and projected local job openings.”
The program is sponsored by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). PCC received a grant of $15,000 ($7,500 for two years) from the Deerbrook Charitable Trust to assist with implementation of the Plus 50 initiative.
To facilitate peer support systems and address the specific needs of adult learners, PCC will enroll Plus 50 students in a cohort for the required College Student Success course ( ACA 111 ) that introduces the College environment and equips them for success.
A welcome reception for Plus 50 students in the health care and human services programs will be held Monday, Aug. 18, from 3-4 p.m. in Building D, Room 120, on the Person County Campus. Students may learn more about the Plus 50 program during this event and receive other information to help them get off to a good start at PCC.
Other planned activities include Plus 50 “Meet and Eat” sessions to facilitate discussions related to academic success, hear guest speakers, and create opportunities for structured study hall sessions. The first “Meet & Eat” session will be held Monday, Sept. 8, and the second event is scheduled for Nov. 10.
During the final semester of their workforce training programs, Plus 50 students will benefit from a range of specialized employment services, such as assistance with resume and cover letter development, interviewing skills, and job search techniques.
PCC plans to initiate implementation of its Plus 50 program during Fall Semester 2014. Registration for those classes is currently underway. Classes begin Aug. 18. For more information about the Plus 50 program, contact Brian Totten, Counselor, PCC’s Student Development office, Building E, Room 137, or call him at (336) 322-2174.
The Plus 50 Encore Completion Program is funded with a $3.2 million grant to AACC provided by Deerbrook Charitable Trust. The program supports AACC’s work to increase the number of students who finish degrees, certificates, and other credentials.
Recent Comments