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OSU-OKC Program Helps Students Overcome Hardship and Achieve Higher Education

A program at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) aims to provide opportunities for individuals facing significant hardships in their pursuit of higher education. The Center for Social Innovation (CFSI), which was established in 2020 with a $1 million grant from the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, supports people who have encountered barriers such as homelessness, incarceration, and domestic violence.

Participant Engagement and Support

Participants in the CFSI program engage in presentations about their career aspirations, receiving support from their peers throughout the process. One participant noted that despite diverse backgrounds, all students share a common objective: to enhance their lives and those of their families.

Increased Program Interest

The program has seen increased interest, with 150 applications received last year. A selection panel interviewed 77 candidates, ultimately admitting 38 into the program. Ariel Moore, Senior Director of CFSI, stated that the program integrates academic courses with transformative programming, equipping participants with essential skills such as leadership and emotional intelligence.

Access to Resources

Students can choose from various majors offered at OSU-OKC and have access to additional resources, including stipends to compensate for lost income due to work. Moore highlighted that comprehensive support services are available, including assistance during court appearances, family reunification efforts, and resources for sobriety, childcare, and transportation.

Leadership Through Personal Experience

Moore’s leadership at the center is informed by her personal experiences with incarceration and addiction. John Standfill, a data specialist at CFSI, also understands the challenges of returning to education after unconventional life experiences. Having lived at the City Rescue Mission and recently released from prison, Standfill has found his role at the college to be transformative.

Impact on Participants’ Income

The program reported that students entering their third cohort had an average annual income of $10,000, which increased to approximately $37,000 after program completion, even without obtaining a degree.

Aspirations to Help Others

The current cohort demonstrates a strong desire among students to assist others facing similar challenges, with aspirations for careers in counseling, law, and education. One student expressed her intention to pursue a career in teaching to inspire those who may doubt their potential for higher education. She underscored the importance of the supportive environment at CFSI in helping her rebuild social skills after experiencing isolation due to domestic violence.

Addressing Generational Challenges

Moore noted that addressing generational cycles of poverty and homelessness requires efforts that extend beyond meeting basic needs. The CFSI has achieved a high retention rate, indicating its significant impact on participants’ lives. Moore referred to the progress made as a daily miracle, highlighting the resilience of the students and the program’s commitment to transforming their futures.

(Source: Oklahoma Voice)

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