Stay the Course is a collaboration between Catholic Charities in Winston-Salem and Forsyth Technical Community College that provides comprehensive case management and support services to students with the goal of helping them persist in school and obtain their degree or certificate. Services are targeted at helping eligible students overcome obstacles outside of the classroom which might result in an interruption in the student’s progression to graduation.
Who is eligible for Stay the Course?
Forsyth Technical Community College students who:
- Reside in zip code area 27105
- Are under age 35
- Are Low Income (Pell eligible)
- Are enrolled in a least one non-distance learning class
- Would benefit from non-academic support to persevere in school
A Stay the Course Navigator works with students to create a personalized path to graduation. The Navigator focuses on helping students deal with life obstacles such as loss of housing, drop in income, or transportation or child care challenges, or family emergencies that may impact the student’s ability to stay enrolled in school. The Navigator helps students become familiar with the college system and provides support and encouragement when the students feels overwhelmed.
Stay the Course is a free voluntary program provided by Catholic Charities sanctioned by Forsyth Technical Community College to support students who are working toward a degree or certification.
As a participant in Stay the Course, students will:
• Engage in check-in sessions with a navigator twice a month
• Seek support with non-academic barriers that impact college enrollment
• Utilize resources provided by navigator to resolve barriers
• Notify navigator of contact information changes
The Stay the Course Navigator will:
• Assist you to identify your educational goals and potential barriers that could threaten your success in school
• Provide referrals and linkages to community supports and services (transportation, childcare, etc.) to address barriers
• Assist you to navigate the community college system and gain clarity about the utility of college and coursework
• Offer skill-building classes and workshops to support academic success
• Provide support and encouragement