West Shore Community College (WSCC) is excited to announce the receipt of a $33,660 Barrier Removal: Direct to Students grant through the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). This funding is dedicated to addressing critical non-tuition barriers that can impact student success, including transportation, emergency needs, and access to technology.
The grant funds will be directly allocated to WSCC students in the form of gas cards, emergency grants, and assistance with technology purchases. These resources aim to alleviate immediate challenges faced by students, empowering them to focus on their education and achieve their academic and career goals.
“It is a common misconception that because students have tuition covered, they should be able to succeed in college,” stated WSCC President Scott Ward. “Many students struggle with food, housing, transportation, and childcare. It says much that an entity providing funds for tuition also recognizes the need to assist with these barriers.”
MiLEAP prioritizes education from birth to postsecondary with a focus on preparing children for kindergarten and helping more people earn a skill certificate or degree to help them get a good paying job. This grant aligns with WSCC’s ongoing efforts to enhance access to education and foster success for all students, particularly those in underserved and rural communities.
Students interested in applying for gas cards, emergency grants, or technology assistance through this program can complete a CARE Team form by visiting westshore.edu/future-students/campus-life/care-team/ or by contacting the Student Services office at (231) 843-5510.