GADSDEN– Continued Gadsden State TRIO funding will support five more years of outreach for adults seeking a fresh start and students preparing for education beyond high school.

Gadsden State Community College announced October 8 that three outreach programs will receive a combined $1,029,700 annually in federal funding. Over the new five-year award cycle, that totals $5,148,500.

The awards continue the Educational Opportunity Center and two Talent Search programs. Together, they provide guidance on education, careers, and the steps needed to move forward.

How the Funding Breaks Down

The college reported the following annual awards and approximate numbers served each year:

“These awards represent a significant investment in the people and communities we serve,” said Dr. Dana Davis, dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Grants and Special Projects.

A Local Resource for Adults

The Educational Opportunity Center offers free educational services and career assistance to adults in Cherokee, Etowah, Calhoun, and Cleburne counties.

For someone considering a return to school, that help can begin before a college application. Staff can then assist with GED or high school diploma completion, skilled-trades training, college enrollment, and career exploration.

In addition, eligible participants can get help with financial aid and scholarship information. Services also include financial management workshops, tutoring referrals, and connections to community resources.

The center lists Nakia Palmer as its outreach advisor for Cherokee and Etowah counties. For information, contact Palmer at 256-972-1801 or npalmer@gadsdenstate.edu.

Adults can also find an application through the center’s webpage.

Helping Students Take the Next Step

Meanwhile, the college’s Talent Search programs work with school students as they prepare for graduation and further education.

Talent Search Gadsden serves students in grades 6-12 and helps participants explore college or career technical training. Its free services include counseling, tutoring, campus visits, mentoring, and college entrance exam preparation.

Staff also help students complete college admissions and financial aid applications. Families can participate in workshops as well.

For example, the program lists schools including Gadsden City, Etowah, Gaston, Sardis, and West End high schools, along with participating middle schools.

For more information, contact director Keith Robinson at 256-549-8374.

Piedmont Schools Among Ayers Program Partners

The Ayers Campus Talent Search program serves participating schools across its area, including Piedmont Middle School and Piedmont High School. Other listed schools include Ohatchee, Oxford, Pleasant Valley, Saks, Weaver, Wellborn, White Plains, Alexandria, Anniston, and Cleburne County high schools.

The program assists eligible students in grades 6-12. Potential first-generation college students and students whose family income meets federal guidelines are among those it identifies for assistance.

However, participation also carries additional requirements, including enrollment at a target school and a GPA of at least 2.5. Families should review the full criteria and application information on the program’s webpage.

There is no charge for participation, including program field trips and workshop materials. In addition, Ayers Talent Search says it helps students consider postsecondary options without recruiting for a particular college.

For information, call 256-832-1238 or email ayersets@gadsdenstate.edu.

The college’s TRIO programs page provides links to these services and other federally supported education programs.

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