Staying Local

Staying Local 

This is a useful tool for local students from Springfield and Western Massachusetts – look here for information on support programs for Holyoke Community College and Springfield Technical Community College as well as a few local four-year institutions!  Supports include mentoring programs, tutoring services, financial assistance programs, and college prep programs.

Support Services for First-Gen College Students at HCC & STCC

  • Are you a first gen college student looking for support at Holyoke Community College? STRIVE is a federally-funded program designed to assist students who are first generation to college (neither parent or guardian has received a bachelor’s degree), have a financial need (low-income), and/or have a documented disability. The overall goal is to increase college retention and graduation rates for program participants. 
  • Are you a first gen college student looking for support at Springfield Technical Community College? STCC’s TRIO Student Support Services include academic, career and transfer advising; career assessment, planning and guidance; assistance in course selection, registration, and completing FAFSA, financial aid and scholarship applications; study skills support, academic tutoring, skill development workshops, and specialized college success seminars. Eligibility: Students who have not yet earned an Associate’s degree or higher; who are either first-generation college, have a financial need; and/or have a documented disability are eligible for participation.

Mentoring Program for POC Men at HCC & STCC 

  • The ALANA Men in Motion Mentoring Program at Holyoke Community College provides academic support, mentoring, and counseling for African American, Latino, Asian, or Native American men. ALANA is a support program for men of color that  provides its participants with personalized attention and support with academics, financial aid, and academic/career planning. 
  • The Male Initiative for Leadership & Education at STCC (MILE) is designed to provide inclusive academic support, mentoring and community engagement opportunities to Black and Latino male students at Springfield Technical Community College. Student participants will connect with professionals who will serve as mentors throughout the student’s time at the college. The program will consist of 1:1 and group mentoring, skill building workshops, community service, tutoring sessions, and advising.

HCC & STCC Online Learning 

  • HCC’s online degrees and certificates make it easier than ever for busy people to earn a degree. Plus, their partnerships with four-year colleges and universities make transferring simple! Specifically, you can complete a 2+2 program: meaning you spend 2 years at a community college, and complete your studies in two more years at an accredited 4-year institution. 
  • STCC is pleased to offer online classes to students who choose to take advantage of this learning option. Whether you live at a distance from the college, or right here in Springfield, online classes provide flexibility and convenience. 

 

Disability Services at HCC & STCC 

  • For students with a documented disability, HCC’s Disability and Deaf Services are here for support. This office can help students along their college journey and set them up with academic accommodations catered to their specific needs. 
  • Similarly, STCC’s Disability Services provides academic and personal support to students with a documented disability. Visit their site for information on how to get started. 

Additional Supports at HCC & STCC

  • Have you recently been admitted to Holyoke Community College and are looking for college readiness support? HCC’s Transition to College & Careers (TCC) is a free non-credit program offered both days and evenings that helps adult students 18+ prepare for college and identify a career path. The program includes intensive academic preparation in English reading and writing, math, study strategies, and computers in a college context. They offer college navigation, career advising, and tutoring in an environment conducive to learning. 
  • For STCC students looking for academic support and tutoring, check out NetTutor. NetTutor offers live tutoring on-demand, question drop-off, and writing feedback. Tutors are subject matter experts trained in how to translate tutoring best practices and learning strategies to support students online, one student at a time. Over 150 subjects are offered, including live tutoring for Math, Writing, and Student Success available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Login with your STCC email address!
  • Looking for additional savings through STCC? Invest in College Success is an innovative public-private partnership designed to help community college students make informed decisions on how to manage college costs and, in doing so, increase their likelihood of continuing higher education year-to-year and completing a college degree. Invest in College Success is a STCC Matched Savings Program, for every $1 saved you receive $2. You can save up to $750 and receive up to $1,500 in matched money, giving you possibly $2,250 towards your education. 

Local Four-Year Colleges 

  • American International College 
    • “American International College is a private, coeducational, four-year comprehensive institution located in the geographic center of Springfield, Massachusetts.”
    • Located in: Springfield, MA 
    • Noteable program: The AIC Core Education (ACE) program offers support to first gen college students through mentoring, workshops, field trips, and more!
  • Smith College 
    • “Founded in 1871, Smith College opened in 1875 with 14 students. Today, Smith is among the largest women’s colleges in the United States, with students from 48 states and 68 countries.”
    • Located in: Northampton, MA 
    • Noteable scholarship: The Smith College Springfield/Holyoke Partnership provides up to four full-tuition scholarships for students from public schools in Springfield and Holyoke, Massachusetts. All students who apply to Smith from these schools will be automatically considered. 
  • Springfield College 
    • Springfield College is a private, coeducation, four-year institution that “centers its focus on helping students develop the whole person so they can serve as leaders in their communities, organizations, companies–wherever their next steps take them.”
    • Located in:  Springfield, MA 
    • Notable scholarship: The Jesse Park’s Scholarship provides the opportunity for high school seniors of color, who live in Springfield, with a chance to qualify for a full-tuition scholarship at Springfield College. 
  • Western New England University
    • WNEU is a coeducational, four-year, close-knit institution who inspires their students to “push their abilities to conquer new challenges and think critically about the world around them and their place in it.”
    • Located in: Springfield, MA 
    • Noteable resource: The Academic Success Center at WNEU provides a variety of supports such as 1:1 peer tutoring, life skills mentoring, college success coaching, and much more! 
  • Westfield State University 
    • “Founded in 1839 by Horace Mann, Westfield State was the first coeducational college in America to offer an education without barrier to race, creed, or economic status.”
    • Located in: Westfield, MA 
    • Noteable program: The Urban Education Program at WSU provides college readiness and support for first-generation students that will improve individual performance and academic achievement. Services include a summer bridge program, continuing academic support, and leadership development.

 

 

 

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