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Student Support Services students

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Welcome to Student Support Services

Student Support Services has been an effective program at Gulf Coast State College since 1985. Through a competitive federal grant proposal process, funds are awarded to higher education institutions so they can provide opportunities for academic development, assist participants with college logistics, motivate students toward graduation, and facilitate their subsequent transfer to a four-year institution. 

GRANT AWARD

GCSC was awarded a Fiscal Year 2020 Student Support Services grant on August 21st, 2020. That award (P042A200042) runs from 09/01/2020 till 08/31/2025 and is budgeted to receive approximately $307,474.00 annually. Please note, too, that Student Support Services’ program costs are 100% financed by federal money. All project services are provided to participants free-of-charge.

Eligibility

Associate's degree-seeking GCSC students are eligible to participate in Student Support Services if they meet all of the following requirements: 

  • A citizen or national of the United States or meets the residency requirements for Federal student financial assistance.
  • Enrolled at [GCSC] or accepted for enrollment in the next academic term at [GCSC].
  • Has a need for academic support, as determined by [GCSC], in order to pursue successfully a postsecondary educational program.
  • Is—
    • A low-income individual;
    • A first generation college student; or
    • An individual with disabilities.

Services

We develop Academic Success Plans (ASP) to help students select coursework and improve their chances for graduation. 

We provide information on financial aid options and assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

We staff a Tutoring Lab that assists students with various subjects:

  • Mathematics
  • English, Reading, & Writing
  • STEM
  • Civics Literacy

We offer workshops every month on various topics such as:

  • Career options
  • Financial aid (e.g., FAFSA)
  • Financial literacy
  • Personal counseling
  • Stress management techniques
We take students on educational trips to expose them to four-year Colleges / Universities and  Cultural Experiences
We offer desktop computers and other electronic resources for students to use for homework or studying in Student Union West Room 88.  We also have Community Room located in SUW Room 89 where students can relax or interact with fellow participants 
We offer a transition component to familiarize students with transfer options after graduation.

Helpful Links:

SSS Staff Contact Information:

Kendra Kizziah, Assistant SSS Director Kendra Kizziah, Associate Director
850.769.1551 ext. 3344 | kkizziah@gulfcoast.edu
Terri Thomas, Academic Specialist Terri Thomas, Program Coordinator
850.769.1551 ext. 4819 |tthomas3@gulfcoast.edu

“The contents of GCSC’s TRiO webpages, along with any printed publication materials (e.g., books, reports, or films) we separately disseminate, were developed under grants provided by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). However, those contents do not necessarily represent ED policy, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.”

Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.