Juggling classes, homework, and life’s other daily demands can be challenging for any college student. Throw other issues into the mix – child care, health concerns, financial worries – and the path to graduation and career success can seem especially daunting. Wake Tech has found a way to help, through a partnership with Single Stop, a non-profit organization that helps connect students to needed resources so they can stay focused on academic goals.
Using specially-designed software, Single Stop can conduct simple, fast screenings to determine students’ eligibility for a variety of resources and benefits, many of which are free: benefits counseling, financial counseling, legal advice and representation, and referrals for other services and resources on campus and in the community. Wake Tech staff members are on hand to help students with the application process and to make sure they receive all the assistance available to them.
“We know that many good students are not successful in college because ‘life’ gets in the way,” says Kevin Brown, Associate Vice President of Student Services. “I believe Single Stop can change that outcome. It offers a simple way for students to get assistance when they need it, allowing them to concentrate on their studies.”
During tax season, Single Stop brought tax preparers to campus to help students with their returns, free of charge! For many, it was a godsend.
“I’ve been worried about tax season for months,” said Electronics Engineering student Andrew Cichetti. “Now I don’t have to worry about it anymore and I can focus on my schoolwork.”College transfer student Grace Melgar agrees: “This is great!” she says. “As a student, you always have bills, so this is really nice to be able to get my taxes done at no cost. Plus it’s convenient having it right here on campus!”
Eliminating barriers and helping students succeed – that’s the goal of Single Stop. And at Wake Tech, it seems to be working.
Wake Tech is one of four North Carolina community colleges that offer Single Stop. The partnership is made possible through a generous grant from the John M. Belk Endowment.
