Southwestern Community College's Student Support Services program has received a grant for over $1 million to help students stay in college, graduate and transfer to four-year institutions if they choose. Funded by a Department of Education Title IV Education source, the grant will make it possible for the college to continue this initiative for another four years.

Through the Student Support Services initiative, staff members work closely with students to realize their educational goals, according to Cheryl Contino-Conner, SSS director, transfer advisor, and enrichment coordinator. “We have a very dedicated staff that provides counseling, advising, teaching, and financial assistance counseling,” she said.

According to Contino-Conner, the SSS staff works one-on-one with the students who seek their services.

“Our philosophy of education is that you can't teach students unless you know them. We look at their lives and try to figure out how their lives can best fit into the college — what they will need to succeed at SCC.”

To learn more about the services available through Student Support Services, visit the SCC Web site at www.southwesterncc.edu or phone the SSS office at 586.4091, extension 231.