A new initiative at St. Louis Community College aims to make school more affordable for students pursuing careers in high‑demand jobs.
The STLCC Promise Program’s goal is to create a pathway to jobs that pay roughly $50,000 a year, such as those in automotive technology, cybersecurity, paramedic technology and accounting.
The program will cover the cost of tuition and books and provide students access to resources such as academic advising, tutoring and career coaching.
“What we’re telling students is that we are intentional about providing those services to them before they have to ask,” said LaShanda Boone, vice president of Multicultural Student Services and chief student affairs officer at the college.
To be eligible, students must live in St. Louis or north St. Louis County and attend the college’s Forest Park or Florissant Valley campuses. Boone said the program is prioritizing students who live in those areas because talent is everywhere, but access to opportunity is not.
“Research cited by the college shows a history of disinvestment in resources and opportunities in those communities,” Boone said. “So the initiative aligns with the Regional Inclusive Prosperity Partnership and its focus on economic mobility, access to quality jobs and career growth.”
St. Louis Community College and the STLCC Foundation have poured $1.5 million into the program to further its mission to remove barriers to education. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, before applying.
Applications are open until Jan. 19. Republished with permission as part of a content sharing partnership between The St. Louis American and St. Louis Public Radio. Click here to view original story.