With a five-year, $1,160,250 grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Florida State College at Jacksonville is establishing a new Educational Opportunity Center to support adults in Duval and Nassau counties.
It will focus on those who belong to traditionally underrepresented populations, have limited English proficiency or live with disabilities.
“We know that education can provide economic mobility and positive social outcomes that have the ability to change the trajectory of one’s future,” FSCJ President John Avendano said in a news release.
“Through comprehensive service offerings, the EOC will work to turn around the lives of individuals who have found themselves in hopeless situations due to generational and situational poverty and limited access to critical services.”
The project also will focus on homeless children, students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, other disconnected students and veterans, military spouses and their dependents.
The center will enroll up to 850 participants annually and provide educational support services including guidance about secondary school reentry, tutoring, counseling and mentoring.
Support with college admission and financial aid also will be offered.
Services will be provided at each of FSCJ’s five campuses in Duval and Nassau counties and at satellite offices provided by partnering agencies.
During the initial intake process, enrollment coaches at the EOC will assess postsecondary barriers and needs and will work to connect participants with financial resources and other support services.
Visit www.fscj.edu/eoctrio to learn more.