March 28,2012
By Jami Joiner| Opinion editor
A NEW program offered by Amarillo College’s Student Support Services on the West Campus is one of six of its kind in the nation and is designed to help health science majors.
First-generation students, low-income students and students with a registered disability qualify for assistance from the program.
Up to 120 students can be accepted.
“Students can apply at any time throughout the year,” said Melissa Eder, project coordinator for Student Support Services.
“We want to encourage students to take advantage of this program.”
Eder said applications are available online.
The program offers a number of benefits, including the opportunity to visit a four-year university, a mentor program and career counseling.
The primary purpose of the program is to help students succeed, said Kathy Martin, data management assistant for Student Support Services.
“Our aim is to give academic and personal encouragement for the students,” Martin said.
“We try to build up and encourage a well-rounded way of life.”
Both Eder and Martin work one-on-one with students in the program to connect them with the right people to help them reach their individual goals.
Sherri Toliver, a nursing major, is in her second semester with the program.
She said it has provided assistance in several aspects as she pursues her education and career.
“It’s helped me financially, and one huge aspect of that is free printing,” Toliver said.
“Being a nursing major, we have to print a lot of documents and forms for clinicals. Not having to buy paper or ink has really helped.”
She also said being able to print notes and take them with her wherever she goes helps her study.
Toliver said the program has put her in touch with retired and experienced nurses who are on campus, giving her the opportunity to talk to them about her classes and goals.
Toliver qualified for the program by being a first-generation and low-income student.
Health science majors who are interested in applying for the program can contact Eder for more information at (806) 354-6086 or mseder@actx.edu. Her office is on the West Campus in 205B Building A.
For more information on eligibility and services offered by the program, visit www.actx.edu/sss-health.
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