SPC's STAR Center receives funding from U.S. Department of Education
LEVELLAND – The STAR Center at South Plains College was awarded $1,473,625 for the five-year funding cycle through 2025 by the U.S. Education Department. The STAR Center is part of the seven Federal TRIO Programs, which also includes SPC’s Upward Bound Program, LEARN Talent Search, Educational Opportunity Center, Texas Tech University Student Support Services and Ronald McNair Scholar Programs.
These grants are awarded to institutions of higher education and/or non-profit community agencies to provide students nationwide with academic and other support services they need to succeed in college.
According to Rita Prieto, director of the STAR Center, the grant helps to provide services for first generation, low-income college students and people with disabilities to successfully complete a program of study at the postsecondary level.
“In this year’s funding, there was a 3.5 percent increase for the TRIO programs nationwide,” she said.
Although SPC performed well throughout the past five years, only years two, three and four are reviewed for successful completion of program objectives.
The STAR Center has provided students with academic tutoring, assistance in course selection, information on financial aid as well as support and resources to help students transfer from two-year to four-year colleges. Mrs. Prieto has been a part of SPC’s STAR Center for 18 years. Her colleague, Manuel Cedillo, academic coordinator, has been with the program for 19 years. This year marks the beginning of the STAR Center’s 20th year of operation at South Plains College.
The consistency in leadership has he
lped the program build and grow annually. Presently, the STAR Center assists 160 students annually. The STAR Center staff has connected with offices across campus to help students successfully progress through the academic pipeline. If students have testing anxiety or need help with stress management, the Health and Wellness Center is available to assist them, she said.
“We’re here to make sure that students are on the right track and help them succeed in college,” Mrs. Prieto said. “Sometimes students just need encouragement along their journey, and we try to provide that as well.”
Mrs. Prieto said the STAR Center is available to students who may need their services. Each student is required to complete an application to determine eligibility.
“Any student is welcome in the program,” she said. “Even if the student doesn’t qualify for services, we will direct them to the campus resources that can assist them. The STAR Center also hires tutors and work-study.”
For more information about the STAR Center, contact Mrs. Prieto at (806) 716-2750.
