The struggles many college students endure are well documented. Each student must adjust to changing social conditions, new learning challenges, and the pressure that comes with meeting or exceeding expectations. For those students who have experienced life as a foster youth, the challenges of college life may be even greater and arrive with unique circumstances that most students will not have to face. The Great Expectations program at Mountain Empire Community College assists our students who have been in the foster care system at some point in their life with a variety of benefits and services to help ease the transition to college and maintain healthy academic performances throughout the college experience.
What we offer
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Mentoring services to assist with transitioning.
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Financial benefits for qualified foster youth.
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Liaison assistance with local service agencies.
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Assistance communicating with instructors.
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Program sponsored trips to different cities, museums, and educational events.
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Employment counseling and skill building.
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Support throughout your college experience.
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Resources to assist with emergency situations.
Program Requirements
To qualify for the Great Expectations program at MECC, a student needs to be a current foster youth, former foster youth, independent living participant, adoptee, or document an extreme situation of hardship comparable to a foster care environment. The first step for someone interested in our program is to contact our office, located in Student Services at MECC. The Great Expectations Coordinator is Jamie Davis, and he can be reached at (276) 523-2400 ext 422. Once contacted, the GE Coordinator will set up an appointment and discuss opportunities for success at our college. If transportation is a problem, please let our office know and we can assist you.
Jamie Davis, M.A.
Great Expectations Coordinator
Mountain Empire Community College
(276) 523-2400 ext. 422
mjdavis@mecc.edu
