A Degree of Hope: Program helps remove obstacles to getting a college degree
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - The pandemic may actually end up helping people who have so far been unsuccessful in getting a college degree. A new program is coming to Cincinnati due to the popularity the pandemic has brought to distance learning.
The television lights up Patrice Foster's small apartment.
“Hey there, are you ready for some good news?” teases a show host.
Foster is definitely ready for some good news. She was COVID-canned from one job and is not paid well at another. So, she unfortunately has time on her hands.
Dani Watkins is with CityLink Center in West End.
“Folks have time to invest in themselves, and this is a great time to be able to step into something new and step into getting that associates or bachelor’s degree,” Watkins said.
And here's that good news: CityLink Center is now offering a way for Foster to get a college degree. The program is called PelotonU. It's designed for people who've had obstacles in the past to completing, or even starting, college.
The degree comes from Southern New Hampshire University with success rooted in a three-tiered approach. Peloton provides the first tier: "Coaching" -- a person to keep you on track.
“The College Completion Coach works with folks every step of the way to make sure they turn their assignments in on time, to make sure they work through any emotional barriers they have gotten along the way,” said Watkins.
CityLink provides "Community," a space for studying and study groups. And it provides the third leg of the stool: "Care." CityLink is uniquely qualified through its partner programs to provide things like transportation, financial assistance and child care.
“Remove any possible barrier that could potentially derail someone from having that win, have that success,” continued Watkins.
And Foster knows obstacles.
“Cincinnati for me, as I got older, meant a lot of obstacles,” she said. “I loved school when I was a child. I always had dreams of going to college. I knew that I wanted to go; I just didn’t think in the environment I was in I was part of the people who was able to go.”
Now, Foster is one of those people. She starts PelotonU this fall, headed toward a degree in health care -- and a bright future.
“[I’m)] doing great. No longer having to work two jobs and doing what I love and helping someone,” Foster said.
CityLink can provide students with computers and internet access. Grants and scholarships can make the school very inexpensive or even free for many students.
To get more information about the PelotonU program, click here.
