Pierpont CTC receives 2 grants for first-generation students, mental health
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https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/pierpont-ctc-receives-2-grants-for-first-generation-students-mental-health/ar-AA1pwYq4?ocid=BingNewsSerp
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/pierpont-ctc-receives-2-grants-for-first-generation-students-mental-health/ar-AA1pwYq4?ocid=BingNewsSerp
FAIRMONT, W.Va (WDTV) - Pierpont Community and Technical College has been awarded two grants from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to support first-generation students and mental health initiatives on campus.
A $5,000 First-Generation Student Success Grant will introduce an initiative to support and celebrate first-generation students through meaningful activities and resources that help to break the barriers they face when pursuing an education. This grant is awarded to two- and four-year colleges and universities across the state that exhibit a commitment to aiding in the recruitment, retention and support of first-generation college students through campus-based initiatives, events, services and more.
The college will encourage that initiative by celebrating National First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8th, officials said. The event will feature the stories of first-generation students, faculty, staff and alumni and launch an inaugural first-generation student organization to provide ongoing support and foster mentorship opportunities across Pierpont’s campuses.
A $6,250 Campus Mental Health Grant will include the implementation of a comprehensive wellness program that will provide life skills training workshops to students, faculty, and staff. Mindfulness, stress management and healthy eating are among the selection of workshops that will be available both in person and online, officials said.
Pierpont’s Office of Support Services also offers students a number of free resources, including counseling, disability services and learning strategies, and additional support for individuals balancing their academic commitments while raising children is offered through Pierpont’s ‘Parents’ Place,’ which provides easy-to-access resources tailored to their needs.
“Our goal with the wellness program is to provide our campus community with lifetime stress reduction activities in a more communal setting, thus encouraging a culture of belonging,” said Director of Support Services at Pierpont, Dr. Suzan Clemens. “Students who are less stressed and have a sense of connection to their campus will flourish in their academic pursuits.”