Project Forward Step Project Forward Step

Project Forward Step

Project Forward Step is a support program designed to meet the needs of returning adult students, specifically single parents (including single pregnant women) and students age 24 and over, who are limited income, out-of-workforce, or are homeless.

 

Program Benefits

As a Project Forward Step student, you will have access to the following all free of charge:

  • Intake interview/needs assessment
  • Personalized success coaching and support from a dedicated Student Success Programs staff member
  • Connection to on-campus and community resources
  • Success workshops and other activities geared toward student success and retention
  • Consideration for financial assistance, including the Project Forward Step Program Scholarship, distributed through the FCC Foundation and/or Perkins Scholarship funds for students enrolled in approved career programs

 

Dedicated Support

 

Klaire Williams
Student Success/Retention Specialist
Coordinator for Parents Lead program
Annapolis Hall, A-103C
301.624.2711
[email protected]

 

Schedule Appointment

 

Program Eligibility

Any adult student beginning or continuing their education to enter the workforce, increase their marketable skills, change careers, or advance in a current job to become economically self-sufficient who meets one of the following criteria:

  • Single parents
  • Single pregnant women
  • Adults aged 24 and over who are limited income, out-of-workforce, or homeless

Financial Assistance

Students will receive consideration for the Project Forward Step program scholarship distributed through the FCC Foundation, which can be used toward the cost of attendance at FCC, including tuition and book assistance. The Project Forward Step scholarship is supported through funding provided by generous donors. Students enrolled in approved career programs may also be eligible for Perkins Scholarship Funds. Since 1981, Project Forward Step has helped more than 5,000 students.

Special Thanks to Donors of the Project Forward Step Scholarship

 
PFS Group Photo PFS Group Photo PFS Group Photo PFS Group Photo

Funding for Project Forward Step direct student aid is provided by the Maryland State Department of Education.

 

College Success for Single Mothers

 

FCC is proud to be part of the College Success for Single Mothers Project. We collected data on our single mothers’ and student parents’ lived experiences and implemented action plans to expand services that foster student success.

 

College Success for Single Mothers Project Cover
Read the report.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Project Forward Step?

Project Forward Step is a counseling, advising, and referral center for single parents and adults age 24 and over who are low income, out-of-workforce, or homeless. The office is located in Annapolis Hall, A-103.

 

What services does Project Forward Step provide?

  • Intake interview/needs assessment
  • Academic advising and career counseling
  • Referral to College services and community agencies
  • Financial assistance resource referral including Project Forward Step Program Scholarship through the FCC Foundation and Perkins Direct Student Aid for qualifying individuals
  • Workshops
  • Support during life transitions

 

Who is eligible to apply for Project Forward Step Program Scholarship and Perkins Direct Student Aid?

Eligible applicants must be current participants in the Project Forward Step program. Single parents and adults age 24 and over who are low income, out-of-workforce*, or homeless, and are beginning or continuing their education in order to enter the workforce, increase their marketable skills, change careers, or advance in a current job in order to become economically self-sufficient are eligible to apply. For Perkins Direct Student Aid, applicants also must be pursuing an approved career program at FCC.

 

What is an out-of-workforce individual?

An out-of–workforce individual is someone who has worked primarily without remuneration to care for a home and family, and for that reason has diminished marketable skills, and is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment OR is an individual who has been providing unpaid services to family members in the home and either has been dependent on the income of another family member but is no longer supported by that income, or is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty obtaining or upgrading employment.

 

What expenses can be considered for Project forward Step program scholarship and direct student aid?

Program participants can apply for Project Forward Step program scholarship and/or Perkins direct student aid toward cost of attendance at FCC, including tuition, books, transportation, and child care.

How do I apply for Project Forward Step program scholarship and direct student aid?

In order to apply, first schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor in Adult Services for an intake interview. If you are eligible, you will be enrolled in the Project Forward Step program and begin to develop your educational plan. The second step in the process is to register for and attend a workshop. Dates and times are available from your Adult Services counselor. Project Forward Step participants apply for Project Forward Step program scholarship through the FCC Foundation online application. Eligible program participants in career programs can apply for Perkins direct student aid by meeting with their Project Forward Step counselor.

How often can I apply?

If funding is available, Project Forward Step students may apply each semester.

Can students receive a Project Forward Step program scholarship, Perkins direct student aid, and other kinds of financial assistance?

Yes, students may receive funding from several sources, including federal financial aid and other scholarships through the FCC Foundation.

If I am not interested in or eligible for Project Forward Step program scholarship or Perkins direct student aid, can I still enroll in the program and use the other services?

Yes, if you are a single parent or adult age 24 or over who is low income, out-of-workforce, or homeless and you do not want or need to apply for program scholarship or direct student aid, you can still enroll in the Project Forward Step program. You will be able to use all of the other services offered. 
Contact
Student Success Programs
Annapolis Hall, A103
301.624.2894
[email protected]

Academic Year Hours
Mondays: 8:30am-6:00pm
Tuesdays: 8:30am-6:00pm
Wednesdays: 8:30am-4:30pm
Thursdays: 8:30am-4:30pm
Fridays: 8:30am-4:30pm

Summer Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Other times available by appointment.
Staff

Jennifer Leonard
Adult and Parent Education and Outreach Coordinator
Parents Lead, Project Forward Step and CCAMPIS programs
Annapolis Hall, A-105A
301.624.2862
[email protected]


Make Appointment