An initiative at Troy University’s Phenix City Campus is working to make the road to higher education more easily accessible for parents and others seeking to become more competitive in the workforce, while at the same time stressing the importance of education to future generations of prospective students.
The Parent Achievement = Student Success program or P.A.S.S. program offers support through every stage of the higher education journey, said Wanda Etienne, New Student Support Specialist and P.A.S.S./CCAMPIS Coordinator.
“The goal of this initiative is to help everyone become stronger role models regarding the importance of getting an education, graduating from high school and pursuing some form of higher education,” Etienne said. “Through the Troy University Phenix City Campus, parents can earn college credit in a safe and convenient learning environment.”
Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims, Vice Chancellor of the Phenix City Campus, said the campus’ relationships with area schools will aid in identifying potential adult learners for the P.A.S.S. program.
“I am excited to support the relaunch of PASS formerly titled the Parent Degree Program,” Dr. Rosser-Mims said. “Our working relationship with the local elementary and middle schools will help us to identify the adult learners who are a good fit for TROY and need the range of support services provided by our Center for Student Success.”
The initiative offers support on the front end of the journey by helping students to navigate the admissions and financial aid processes, making students aware of scholarship opportunities and evaluating any potential transfer credit. P.A.S.S. also offers assistance to program participants during their educational journey through mentoring, tutoring, advising, cohort and peer support, help with available community resources and affordable childcare assistance through the University’s CCAMPIS program.
CCAMPIS, which stands for Child Care Access Means Parents in School, was initiated through a U.S. Department of Education grant to provide subsidized childcare for student-parents enrolled at TROY’s campuses in Alabama. For more information about CCAMPIS, please visit: https://www.troy.edu/scholarships-costs-aid/child-care-access-means-parents-in-school.html.
In addition, P.A.S.S., in conjunction with the Center for Student Success, will offer career services, help with resumes and interviewing tips to assist participants in navigating the job market.
Admission requirements for adult learners is a 2.0 high school grade-point average. Students who are active duty military/veterans, full-time employees, have assumed adult responsibilities such as being a parent/guardian or spouse and are 21 years of age or above are considered Adult Students and are not required to submit ACT/SAT scores provided their high school GPA is 2.0 or above.
Those interested in applying for the P.A.S.S. program should contact Michelle Zambesi at 334-448-5136 or by email at mzambesi@troy.edu. Additional information is also available online at troy.edu/pass.
