Northwest-Shoals Community College has received a three-year, $950,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund an Advocacy and Resource Center for underserved student populations.
The ARC project will support at least 300 students on the Phil Campbell and Shoals campuses with basic resources. Services include a food pantry, mentoring and life coaching, professional counseling and referrals, assistance with housing and utility services, transportation assistance, aid with childcare services, and access to technology and help with course software.
“As a member of Congress and a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I strongly believe and encourage these types of investments into our education system that will serve the area for decades to come,” said Congressman Robert Aderholt, who announced the grant.
Northwest-Shoals Community College President Jeff Goodwin said of the grant, “It will not only impact those directly served by the grant but their families and communities as well by removing barriers associated with the issues of poverty and mental health and providing opportunities to enter the workforce with the skills essential to succeed.”
The grant is funded through the U.S. Department of Education’s Basic Needs Program.
