Florida Gulf Coast University
PAE-10: Affordability and Access Programs

The purpose of TRIO Student Support Services is: To increase retention and graduation rates of eligible students; To increase the transfer rate of eligible students from two-year to four-year institutions; To foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of low-income, first generation, and college students with disabilities through identified support services. Eligibility includes: First Generation (neither parent/guardian earned a Bachelor’s Degree) and/or Low income according to federal guidelines and/or Have a documented disability in need of support services Services Include: Financial Literacy Workshops Peer Advocate Program Cultural Activities Financial Aid Advising Career Advising Technology Lab Tutoring Transfer Advising Educational Trips Personal Advising Academic Advising Resource Lending Library Grant Aid Opportunities Graduate School Advising The Student Support Services Classic Grant at Florida Gulf Coast University is funded 100% through the Federal Education Department in the amount of $255,505 annually. The Student Support Services STEM Grant at Florida Gulf Coast University is funded 100% through the Federal Education Department in the amount of $220,000 annually.

The FGCU Teaching, Learning & Assessment Initiative promotes excellence in higher education pedagogy to enhance teaching, learning and assessment across the institution. The activities supported by the initiative highlight and promote national and disciplinary best practices in teaching, learning and assessment while sharing the best practices that are in place at FGCU.

College Reach Out Program is a State of Florida grant-funded program designed to prepare middle and high school students to successfully pursue and complete a post-secondary education. The program targets future first-generation college students currently in grades 6 through 12. The program also motivates students to develop basic learning skills, strengthen parent and student understanding of the benefits of postsecondary education, and foster personal and career development through supplemental instruction. Public Schools Enrichment Partnership/Scholars Program was founded in 1989 by former Fort Myers High School junior, Christian Duffus, as a way to promote and reward academic achievement among minority students. Scholars Program has expanded to embrace minority and “at-risk” students at elementary, middle, and high school levels. Membership is open to all students who embrace the Scholars Program philosophy and ideas of academic excellence, leadership, service, and citizenship. The Office of Community Outreach hosts monthly workshops to assist Florida Gulf Coast University students with their educational and developmental needs. The workshops also equip students with the skills needed to build their academic status. Workshops are collaborative efforts with other University departments and community agencies, example include financial aid, counseling services, service learning, etc. The Office of Community Outreach also Mentoring opportunities are set up for students from underserved or underrepresented populations. Mentoring relationships are fostered by pairing students with faculty or staff to assist those students in setting goals and building character all in hopes of increasing retention rates and student population.

HOPE AdvancED The HOPE AdvancED Scholarship presents qualified Edison State College Project HOPE graduates with the opportunity to transfer to Florida Gulf Coast University, continue their education, and graduate with a Bachelor's Degree. FGCU has agreed to offer a scholarship to qualified Edison College Project HOPE Graduates up to 60 credit hours. Eligible candidates must have received their Associate in Arts Degree or an Associate in Science Degree from a program that has an articulation agreement with FGCU and have financial need. Minority Community College Transfer Scholarship The Minority Community College Transfer Scholarship (MCCTS) is a competitive program, for qualified minority (Alaskan Native, Native American, Asian, African American (Black), Hispanic, and Pacific Islander) Florida residents, which is awarded on the basis of financial need and/or academic merit, and other select criteria. Additionally many need-based scholarships are available through the FGCU Foundation. http://www.fgcu.edu/Foundation/scholarships-results.asp

Informational sessions are held by the College Reach Out Program (CROP) at the students’ schools to ensure continuous communication among parents/guardians, teachers and counselors. Parents will be encouraged to consider higher education for themselves as well as for their children. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend these special events, offered by the program, with their student. Parents/guardians are invited to attend: Financial Aid Workshops Academic Advising Sessions College and Career Fairs Cultural and Athletic Events College Knowledge Sessions Florida Gulf Coast University Expositions

The mission of the Office of Community Outreach is to foster strong University-Community partnerships that increase the visibility, accountability, and participation of the University in the surrounding SW Florida community, assist with the recruitment and retention efforts of the University, and create a cohesive support system for students from traditionally underserved or underrepresented backgrounds. http://www.fgcu.edu/CommunityOutreach/index.html