The broad purpose and goals of the Educational Support Services Program are to expand educational opportunity and to increase the retention rate of students in the postsecondary educational institution. The Educational Support Services Program provides essential academic, financial, and personal assistance to students to help them achieve their postsecondary, academic ambitions and pursue graduate or professional educational programs. To utilize an individualized work plan on the basis of the individual's academic, personal, and social needs assessment To obtain information about careers in which disadvantaged persons are underrepresented To organize an expanding resource file of careers, occupations, and graduate and professional schools available for further training To prepare and complete the necessary financial aid and registration forms for graduate and professional school admission To receive advisement about financial assistance, fellowships, and graduate assistantships Students are referred to the appropriate agencies on or off-campus for additional counseling services that are not provide by the Educational Support Services Program. Microcomputers Microcomputers are available in the Educational Support Services English and Mathematics laboratories to provide computer assisted instruction and the opportunity for students to practice and drill to improve their basic skills. Mentoring The faculty and peer mentoring program is designed to help students cope with academic, social, and personal stress.
Mentors provide support and strategies to alleviate adjustment problems.
Freshmen receive assistance in making a smooth transition from high school to college. Upperclassmen receive advisement for pursuing majors relative to the respective careers of their mentors. Educational Enrichment Program participants are exposed to the possibilities beyond undergraduate school. They are given the opportunity to travel to visit graduate and professional institutions. Cultural Enrichment Cultural enrichment is provided throughout the academic year through field trip explorations and the College's cultural series presentations.