Bucks County Community College and the Bucks County Opportunity Council announced that they’re evolving their partnership to kickstart a new “Coaches on Campus” initiative.
This collaboration will allow BCOC to integrate with Bucks’ Student Services division. BCOC’s Economic Self-Sufficiency coaches will be on the Newtown Campus twice a week to offer coaching, financial support and resources to students who are already making strides to better their education and future stories.
“The key to gaining self-sufficiency is acquiring the additional education and training necessary to earn a living wage,” said Erin Lukoss, BCOC’s executive director. “This partnership will allow BCOC staff to directly assist students by meeting them where they are. It is important for students to know that they have support from their school and their community.”
“At Bucks, we understand that some of our students face significant economic hardships that impact their ability to be successful as they pursue their degrees and academic goals,” said Dekia Smith, Ed.D., LPC, Bucks’ interim dean of students. “Having BCOC’s ES coaches on campus allows for our Student Services staff to make direct referrals right across the hall, which greatly reduces barriers that would otherwise get in the way of Bucks students accessing community-based services.”
Previously, Bucks and BCOC partnered to raise funds for the Gateway to Self-Sufficiency Scholarship, open to Bucks students who have joined BCOC’s ES program. More than 40 students have been awarded this scholarship with a 93 percent program completion/success rate. The new “Coaches on Campus” initiative aims to bridge the gap in services being offered. Contact [email protected] for more information.
