If you’re older than 24 and taking classes at Frederick Community College, the economic fallout caused by the novel coronavirus may have hit you hard. However, if you find yourself facing difficult circumstances with finances or everyday life, there are options available at FCC through a program called “Project Forward Step.”
Project Forward Step, run by the Adult Services department at Frederick Community College, is designed to get you back in school, and on a path toward career success. Which is especially vital now, during this global pandemic.
Project Forward Step was first established in 1981 and is the longest running program at FCC. The program operates under a case management model that gets to know the students and their individual needs. The model assigns each student an advisor while they are enrolled at the college.
Since the program was established, it has helped more than 5,000 students earn their degree in nursing, pre-health, and other workforce-ready careers. Some students have even gone on to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees after transferring from FCC. So how does this program help adult students in need?
“Anyone that is 24 years or older who are low-income, out-of-workforce, homeless, or single parents (including single pregnant women) can apply. We are committed to helping students overcome barriers, so they may achieve success in the classroom and move forward to economic self-sufficiency,” said Janice Brown, Director of Adult Services.
The most important part of this program is improving the lives of those most in need in the community. Programs like Project Forward Step tailor awards to the students needs.
An example of this is the childcare award. All funding for grants is through external sources. Funding comes from local nonprofits, including the Frederick Women’s Civic Club, the Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County, and the American Association of University Women, which has a Frederick chapter. “The main thing I would like the population to know, is that they belong here, and that there is a place for them here at FCC,” said Brown.
