DCCC receives grants for low-income student initiatives

MARPLE » Delaware County Community College has received a grant totaling $438,525 to provide intensive support to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and SNAP recipients to pursue post-secondary education that will lead them to achieve economic self-sufficiency. The college has received continuous funding for this program since its inception more than eleven years ago. The college’s program is one of the largest in Pennsylvania.

The KEYS Program (Keystone Education Yields Success) was established in 2004 to support eligible students enrolled in certificate or degree programs at Pennsylvania’s community colleges. Funding is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Students interested in participating in the program are generally referred to KEYS by the County Assistance Office. Once in the program, students receive support and guidance from a KEYS Student Facilitator, who helps them navigate their academic programs and maintain satisfactory academic progress; provide referrals for assistance at the College in the form of advising, tutoring and other available services; and maintain open lines of communication with county assistance office personnel to ensure that students receive essential services for which they are eligible. The KEYS program also offers a variety of workshops and presentations designed to strengthen students’ life skills, awareness of career options, and opportunities to learn more about services from various community-based organizations.

For information about Delaware County Community College’s KEYS program, calls can be directed to either Susan Bennett, KEYS Program Director, at 610-3595231, or Susan Shisler Rapp, Director of Grants Management, at 610-359-5040.