Elsey Rafail
Photography Editor
Are you a first-generation college student that happens to be FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) qualified? If so, you are eligible to join Crowder’s own Project Now, a program that is government funded that specializes in helping community college students transition into university without the hassle of extra funds or credits that somehow did not transfer through.
An advisor, Julie Dobbs, under Project Now comments on her job saying that she is, “Paid to help students,” and even mentions that the advisors themselves were first generation college graduates. “We aren’t the principal; we aren’t your parents. We are just here to help you transfer smoothly into university. However, we also help in other aspects like taxes for students.”
In three words, Mackenzie Peterson, a social work major in Project Now, described it as “opportunity, personal, and helpful.”
Despite the premise of most programs that offer scholarships and basic help through many of the advisors, Project Now’s approach through personal connections and putting students first makes it stand out and a program that is worth applying for.
“They are always looking out for students and have their best interest in mind. They supplied many great opportunities like workshops over personality, study tips, cultural trips, chances to be involved on campus and connected, and so much more.” Mackenzie heartwarmingly opens up to others and said, “They helped me stay involved on campus and meet friends and I am very grateful for that.”
Looking on the more factual side of how Project Now is doing, Julie Dobbs tells, “We are sent objectives every year by the government through percentages such as ‘Percentage First Gen AND Low Income’, ‘Graduation Rate’, etc.”
For the 2020-2021 semesters, Project Now had the objective of getting 67% of ‘First Gen and Low Income’ and managed to achieve 72%, five percent difference. They also managed various achievements through the years under multiple objectives, as shown in the infographic attached.
Located on the second floor of Newton Hall on the Neosho Crowder College campus, be sure to stop by Project Now’s office to learn more about the program itself through the advisors themselves or contact them at (417)-455-5548.
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