PORT ANGELES — United Way of Clallam County and Peninsula College have collaborated on a fund to help students seeking a General Education Development certificate.
The High School Equivalency Finish Line Fund was established to help students working toward their high school equivalency to overcome any barriers that are preventing them from completing all the requirements, according to Travis Simmons of the United Way of Clallam County.
Every year, approximately 500 students in Clallam County sign up to complete their high school equivalency with about 10 percent completing those requirements, he said in a press release.
Family needs, transportation issues and childcare are some contributing factors for students’ incompletion, he said.
This spring, United Way board members began meeting with college staff, the Peninsula College Foundation and community members to outline the pilot project and determine how to implement the fund.
The fund will allow students to apply for financial assistance for bus passes, bills and childcare.
During the meetings, Getta Rogers of the college foundation provided information about its Finish Line Fund.
“The Finish Line Fund offers assistance to students in their final quarters at Peninsula College [by] pay[ing] for bills and other expenses that prevent students from finishing their degree,” Rogers said.
To apply, students speak with their instructors and requests are forwarded to the college foundation’s program coordinator, who then interviews the potential awardee.
To qualify, students must be making active progress on their credential, which means that they must have completed at least two of the official general education degree exams, or they must have accrued 10 out of 20 high school credits.
“We are hoping to fund students who need immediate assistance in order to complete their education,” said the foundation’s interim dean, Laura Brogden.
Another component of the pilot project is creating an opportunity for mentorship.
“We believe motivation plays a big role in keeping students engaged through the study process and able to complete all their tests,” said Ray Chirayath, United Way board treasurer.
“We have connected with service club members and leaders in the business community who want to work with these students to provide moral support as they work toward completing the work they need to do and move toward a trade, job or further education,” Chirayath said.
The funds for this project come from donations to the United Way of Clallam County.
Donations to the fund are accepted. To place a donation, call 360-457-3011, email info@unitedway clallam.org or visit www.unitedwayclallam.org.
