DSLCC Receives Funding for Student Support Services   Clifton Forge, VA (August 24, 2015) - The United States Education Department announced awards of $270 million to 968 institutions of higher education to provide thousands of students with academic and other support services they need to succeed in college. The grants are aimed at helping increase the number of low-income college students, first-generation students and those with disabilities to successfully complete a program of study at the postsecondary level. There are seven federal TRiO programs, including Student Support Services (SSS) that provide outreach and student services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds; low income individuals; first-generation college students; individuals with documented disabilities; foster care youth or homeless children and youth to help them progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. SSS programs provide students with assistance such as academic tutoring, assistance in course selection, information about financial aid and economic literacy, and support and resources to help with the transfer process from two-year to four-year colleges. Additional services offered under this grant may include the following activities: individualized counseling and career guidance, exposure to cultural events, and mentoring. “We are very pleased that TRiO funding for Student Support Services has been awarded to Dabney S. Lancaster Community College,” commented Dr. John Rainone, President of DSLCC. “The funding enables us to continue the programs and support services that we have offered students for years, housed in space known as our Achievement Center. Many students have indicated upon completion of their DSLCC experience that the extra help provided by the staff allowed them to be successful in achieving their goals.” The Director of the SSS program at DSLCC is Kristy Casstevens. Current staff members include Nancy Mathias and Jonothan Wrenn, Academic Coaches; Carol Conner, Retention Coordinator; and Sandra Capps, Office Manager. For more information call Casstevens at (540) 863-2860.

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