Big Bend program will help low-income students

MOSES LAKE - Big Bend Community College is one of four Washington community colleges participating in a program designed help low-income students finish their degrees.

The Working Families Success Network will help potential students with low incomes to figure out how to stay in school, according to a press release from Achieving the Dream, a national organization that promotes community colleges.

The program is designed to help low-income families become more financially stable. In expanding it to community colleges, the goal is to help "students whose economic challenges can thwart their academic and career goals," the press release said.

Washington is one of four states to get involved in the program, starting with four community college in each state. In Washington, the others are Clark College, Vancouver; Walla Walla Community College and Highline College, Des Moines.

The program helps people in "three distinct but related" areas, the press release said.

Participants get help with education, job training and placement, the press release said. In order to make sure they can afford to stay in school, participants get help with financial aid and public benefits, tax credits and free tax assistance. They also receive training in managing their finances, and building economic self-sufficiency.

Colleges already using the program have seen 10 to 15 percent increases in participating students staying in school, Carol Lincoln, the organization's senior vice president, said. "Since financial challenges are the most frequently given reason students drop out, new solutions are needed for helping students persist and complete credentials," Lincoln said.

Participating colleges were chosen on the basis of "commitment to racial equality and poverty reduction as well as the colleges' demonstrated ability to support student success," the press release said.

People who are interested in learning more about the program can contact Heidi Summers, director of workforce services, 509-793-2052.