Phi Theta Kappa inductees appreciate the PACE
Friday / December 5, 2014
The average student will tell you that college life and studies can be stressful, and expensive. Imagine being a full-time college student AND a single parent of a 2-year old, or the parent of five kids (ages 9-2) with a husband on disability, or a single grandparent raising a 6-year-old granddaughter … and then qualifying for the academic honor society! For three Ellsworth Community College students in these situations, the key to their success has been picking up the PACE.
The Pathways for Academic Career Employment (PACE) program is a newly-funded initiative that provides assistance for qualified low-income college students. ECC Pathway Navigator Molly Hippen provides educational, financial, personal, and career support to students, and early results indicate the program is having a hugely positive impact.
“The ECC students who qualify for PACE assistance all have unique circumstances, and without the PACE support they’d all have difficulty staying in college,” says Hippen. “When I first met with these three students, I could literally see their stress. They had financial barriers that were about to keep them from success. When I was able to say ‘let me take care of that for you,’ we all got teary-eyed at what that would mean for them. Their relief was immediate and visible. One of my greatest rewards has been being able to pay their $65 dues for Phi Theta Kappa honor society and watching them be inducted as members this fall. They have truly become the picture of PACE success!”
Tally Bell of Iowa Falls was in a summer Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) course and didn’t have enough money to purchase uniforms. Someone mentioned PACE, she got in touch with Hippen, and the rest is history.
“Molly is a nice, nice lady, and very supportive,” says Bell. “I was enrolled in the nurse aide program, but then became interested in Medical Assisting. After I enrolled for that program, Molly bought my uniform, shoes and watch, and helped pay for the required background check and nurse aide exam. I wouldn’t have been able to enroll in the Medical Assistant program without that help.”
Bell adds, “I would definitely tell people to look into PACE if they have college expenses that financial aid won’t cover. I’ve been to other colleges, and I’ve never seen this kind of support. It’s a great foundation, and Molly’s guidance is the key.”
Cassie Woodbury of Belmond is also enrolled in the Medical Assistant program full time and needed help with all the expenses. With five kids (ages 9, 6, 5, 4 and 2) and a husband on disability, she was struggling financially.
“My financial aid is spread thin, so Molly’s even been able to help me with things like gas cards,” Woodbury explains. “She checks on all of us often and asks what help we need. I wouldn’t have enough financial aid to cover my required externship in the spring, but PACE is helping with that.”
For Brenda Barfels of Iowa Falls, being a nurse has been a lifelong dream. When her kids were young she did in-home daycare to be with them. In 2004 she became a nurse aide and was employed in Ackley. After a divorce, she became a medication aide and later took a job in Des Moines, commuting for a weekend work package that would let her be home during most days of the week with her young granddaughter, of whom she has custody. After four and a half years of working 40-hour shifts Friday through Monday, she decided to pursue the dream of a nursing degree.
“I started in the nursing program in January and plan to continue my education until I complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree,” says Barfels. “I budget my student loans to make the money last between disbursements, and I also do work-study for the College … every little bit helps. I’m not one to ask for help, but Molly approached me and I did accept grocery cards a couple of times. PACE also paid for my Phi Theta Kappa membership, which was amazing.”
Barfels continues, “I want to tell others not to give up on their dreams. It may take you longer, but nothing’s impossible. I just decided one day, and others can do the same. Molly is truly caring and compassionate, and she’ll find ways to help you if you qualify. When you work through things with her, you can move on.”
Hippen is quick to credit the three women with taking charge of their own success. “I don’t know that I could have done what these three have done!” says Hippen. “They are very focused on their tasks and work plans. They come to campus early and stay late. They study all the time and are always prepared for classes and tests. They ask their instructors for help. Really, they’re doing what every good student does to succeed in spite of barriers that would dismantle others. They are a wonderful example for others, and I congratulate them on their success!”