College is an exciting checkpoint on the path to adulthood. It’s all about academic growth, making connections and stepping into your purpose. However, let’s be honest: College is also marked with a plethora of battles to conquer, especially financial ones.
The college experience can be even more intimidating for students who come from low-income backgrounds. While early morning classes and late-night study sessions in Coleman Library are challenging in their own right, doing it all while also juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet takes the challenge to a whole new level.
Fortunately, FAMU provides various resources to lend a helping hand to students who are in need. Unfortunately, a lot of the students who need these resources are unaware of them.
According to academic coach Karen Mitchell, the first step toward making college more accessible is seeking out an academic coach.
“I’ve seen the places where they have these resources. I’ve seen the clothes and seen the food. I’ve taken students over to counseling. I’ve taken students over to the food pantry,” Mitchell said.
Academic coaches can serve as a survival guide for students having a hard time balancing their academic commitments and financial responsibilities. They can lead students to all the readily available resources, such as free laptop rentals at the library and within specific units, school supplies and complimentary printing services at the TRIO building, the convenient on-campus food pantry, etc.
There are also a number of programs that cater to students facing personal hardships, including TRIO Student Support Services, Case Management Services and the Dorothy Henderson Scholarship Program. These programs address challenges related to finances, family circumstances and also help students to learn more about their rights in the campus Student Judicial System.
TRIO is a set of programs established to provide assistance to first-generation, disabled, or lower-income students through the provision of labs, school supplies, tutors, courses, counseling and other invaluable resources.
“[Students] can come to 640 Robert Trudy Perkins Way to apply, or we can send them an application,” said Sonya Knight, an academic adviser and counselor for TRIO Student Support Services. “If you are in need and feel that you can benefit from advisement, academic support, free tutoring, free copying, etc., then by all means, please apply.”
Kasey Miller, a second-year business administration student, says that TRIO Student Support Services has become her second home. “They’re like my parents honestly, they keep me on track,” she said.
Case management acts as a link between students and necessary resources both on and off campus. The case manager’s role is to assist with issues involving food insecurity, administrative procedures, family relationships and social adjustment.
The Dorothy Henderson Scholars Program (DHSP), which can be found within Case Management Services, is a support program for homeless and former foster care students. This program offers homeless waivers, which are renewed every academic school year, and foster care waivers, which remain accessible until the students turn 28. This initiative provides students with resources that extend far beyond financial aid such as food vouchers, access to academic advising, mental health support, opportunities for jobs and internships, stipends for books, access to a clothing closet, and waivers for orientation fees.
“The DHS program is a beacon of light for students. Alums donate toiletries, clothes, and other items to the program. Some alums donate Christmas gifts, Thanksgiving food, and graduation presents for our participants. The programming is geared to equip students with information on how to survive post-graduation like reading and signing a lease, opening a bank account, job interview tips, and other immeasurable tips,” said Bomani Spell, associate vice president and dean of students at FAMU.
FAMU’s support system, including academic coaches, resource centers and essential programs like TRIO, Case Management Services, and the Dorothy Henderson Scholars Program, exist to make the college experience less stressful. By tapping into these resources, students can combat financial challenges while thriving academically.