Nursing Student Gets Help from Lower Cape Outreach
Pursuing higher education opportunities presents unique challenges for students residing on the Lower and Outer Cape. Hybrid options at four-year institutions are often expensive and attending courses at the Cape Cod Community College (CCCC) requires students to commute to most classes Hyannis while often working multiple jobs. Add in the cost of books and technology and the dream of earning a degree can start to become unreachable.
Mia, a 23-year-old Lower Cape resident working towards her associate’s degree at CCCC, was struggling with many of these issues as she entered her second year of study. She worked two jobs to cover her living expenses while commuting twice weekly to campus. Financially, Mia was stretched thin and worried that any unforeseen expense would disrupt her education. Fortunately, a colleague told Mia about the Lower Cape Outreach Council (LCOC). “I knew about LCOC, but I didn’t realize how helpful they could be in pursuing my dreams.”
Mia and the staff met to develop a plan to support her educational needs. “I am so grateful that they took the time to really understand what I needed.” After receiving support from LCOC for costly e-textbooks, transportation, and an up-to-date laptop, Mia completed her associate’s degree and has moved into the highly competitive nursing program.
Part of the mission of the Lower Cape Outreach Council is to “support and encourage long-term self-sufficiency.” Mia’s story illustrates how LCOC supports clients in their journey to self-reliance while helping to strengthen the workforce infrastructure on Cape Cod.