Tag Archives: Single Stop

PNC Awards Central Piedmont $25,000 Grant for Single Stop Program

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The PNC Foundation has awarded Central Piedmont Community College a $25,000 grant to support the college’s Single Stop program, an initiative that connects students to the support services they need to succeed in college and administers the college’s Emergency Fund.

“Our entire community has been affected by COVID-19, and the pandemic has been particularly difficult for students who have lost employment and income ― and who depend on campus resources for access to learning and technology,” said Weston Andress, PNC regional president for Western Carolinas and a Central Piedmont Foundation board member. “During this challenging time, we want the Central Piedmont student community to know that we understand and are committed to helping address some of the hardships they are facing.”

Since 2016, Central Piedmont’s Single Stop program has served as a free, on-campus resource, removing barriers for students with critical needs by connecting them with resources to help them flourish academically, obtain good jobs and achieve financial stability ― through one-on-one meetings with experts representing the financial, tax and legal fields.

In addition to matching qualifying students with specific tools to help fuel upward mobility in their lives, Single Stop administers monies available through the college’s Emergency Fund, which provides one-time support of up to $500 for students who have emergency needs related to housing, utilities, medical expenses, food, technology and more.

The PNC Foundation’s gift is timely. The college will use the grant to help purchase the following items, which have been identified as students’ most pressing needs during the coronavirus pandemic:

  • Grocery/food gift cards. These items will allow students to purchase food, medicine and other essential products.
  • Technology access (laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots). The college has witnessed a surge in students needing laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots since it moved much of its course instruction online.
  • Resources for budgeting during a crisis. Single Stop’s financial counselors are implementing and delivering online and virtual sessions for individuals and groups who need crisis budgeting assistance. Each emergency grant recipient is contacted by a financial counselor with tips on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic from a financial perspective.

“As a result of the pandemic, the college has witnessed an increase in the number of students needing resources to sustain their everyday lives in addition to their studies,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “Many agencies in the Charlotte area have had to close temporarily, limiting the resources students can turn to for emergency crisis assistance. The PNC Foundation’s gift will help us streamline the connectivity process, ensuring resources such as nutrition assistance, technology support and financial aid reach the students who need them most in a critical time of need.”

Learn more about Central Piedmont’s Single Stop program. If interested in supporting the college’s Emergency Fund, visit https://secure.cpccfoundation.org/donation/.

Gov. Roy Cooper Visits College, Asks For More Emergency Grants For Students

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North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, met on Central Piedmont’s Central Campus Wednesday with faculty, staff, and students to share exciting updates about the Finish Line Grant, an emergency grant program originally announced by Cooper in July 2018.

College is a serious financial undertaking. The Finish Line Grant is designed to assist community college students in addressing financial situations that would prevent them from continuing or completing their program of study or credential. Students facing financial hardship may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 to cover eligible expenses per semester.

During the event, Gov. Cooper announced that in North Carolina, 3,000 community college Finish Line Grants have been awarded to date. He added, “It’s amazing how a small amount of money can make a big difference in the life of a student who is trying really hard and is having to pay tuition and fees to try and better themselves in order to get over the hump.”

Too often, financial hardships such as unexpected healthcare costs, childcare expenses, or car and transportation issues prevent students from achieving their academic goals. Fortunately, there are many types of financial aid available to help pay for college.

Lexine Merrill, a Central Piedmont student and Finish Line Grant recipient, echoed the governor’s sentiments. “In one week, I ended up with $1,300 in medical bills and car repairs. I had no idea what to do and nowhere to turn. But then a friend mentioned her experience with the Finish Line Grant, so I applied. I sobbed grateful tears when I learned I was approved. The Finish Line Grant relieved the financial burdens that were weighing heavily on me. It allowed me the opportunity to continue moving forward, toward my finish line.

Students facing an unexpected financial emergency can get connected to a variety of FREE resources through Single Stop, to help them stay focused on their academic goals.

Web Tip Wednesday

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Single Stop Homepage

You may qualify for a variety of resources to help you stay focused on your academic goals. Single Stop can connect you with:

  • Free tax preparation and counseling
  • Benefits counseling
  • Financial Literacy Programming: Keys to Financial Success
  • Emergency grants
  • Referrals for other campus and community resources

Visit Single Stop on the Central Piedmont website to learn more about the services and resources offered. You can access the web page under Student Experience > Student Support.

Do you have a topic you would like to see on Web Tip Wednesday? Send an email to helpdesk@cpcc.edu.

Free Expunction Workshop for Prior Criminal Charges or Convictions

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Can’t pass a background check because of old charges or convictions?

Please join Single Stop and Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy on Central Campus for a free Expunction Workshop on April 11, 2019, from 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. in Zeiss, Room 1112, where a CCLA attorney will discuss the expunction process.

During this session, Central Piedmont students who are trying to clean up their prior criminal record can learn if they might be eligible for free legal help to remove charges or convictions. Any questions can be directed to jacqueline.villalobos@cpcc.edu or call 704.330.6435.

 

Free Health Insurance Counseling at the Single Stop Office

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Each Thursday between 1-4 p.m., the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy is offering free Health Care Insurance Counseling at the Single Stop office. These appointments can assist students that may be eligible for special enrollments through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

A few examples of special enrollment scenarios may include:

  • You lost your insurance (through your job, Medicaid or private plan)
  • You got a new job or lost a job
  • You turned 26 and can’t stay on your parent’s insurance plan

To see if you qualify for a special enrollment or to schedule an appointment, you can go to Single Stop office at Central Campus or call 704.330.6435.