Housatonic Celebrates First Student Equity Cohort

Bridgeport CT

18 May, 2021

11:40 AM

Description

Housatonic Community College (HCC) celebrated a significant milestone on Friday, marking the end of the semester for its pilot Equity Project cohort. The group, consisting of 20 under-represented students, gathered together to recognize their collective accomplishment of completing the Spring 2021 semester. A new initiative at HCC, the Equity Project seeks to increase access to higher education, persistence and academic achievement for under-resourced students. Through its intentional design, students in the program receive supports that reduce barriers to their full participation in the college experience. Dr. Dwayne Smith, CEO of Housatonic Community College, believes so strongly in this progressive program that he pledged $10,000 to the effort. His gift helped to inspire a wide variety of community leaders to do the same, including the Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation, Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation, R.C. Bigelow, M&T Bank, and an anonymous donor. "Equity refers to ensuring that each student receives what they need so they may successfully reach their educational goals. For historically marginalized groups, conditions are often wildly unbalanced as compared to their counterparts, and this innovative program makes strides to equalize the playing field," said Kristy Jelenik, Executive Director, Housatonic Community College Foundation. The Equity Project program provides a coaching model with a student-centric approach. The college's Men's Center and Women's Center provide resources to support growth, wellness and success both within and outside of the classroom. Financial awards, incentives and opportunities for involvement both on- and off-campus help to keep students engaged. Guest speakers, special presentations and financial literacy training opportunities expand students' horizons. During the celebration last week, which was held in the HCC courtyard in downtown Bridgeport, students in the pilot cohort enjoyed lunch with Dr. Smith and a presentation by community leader Natalie Pryce, a TedX speaker and owner of Pryceless Consulting. To learn more about the Equity Project visit Housatonic.edu/equity and to learn how to contribute, contact Kristy Jelenik at [email protected] or call 203-332-5078.