College Connects its Students with Free Services, Financial Assistance
This fall, Community College of Philadelphia began offering a new service that allows students to learn about federal, state and local financial resources that they may not know they qualify for.
The model was developed by Single Stop USA, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income families and individuals build economic security. Students can receive access to a benefit screening and on-site assistance filing applications for federal, state and local services and resources.
“Single Stop is here to support all students and help them overcome economic barriers, continue with their education and move toward economic mobility. I firmly believe that our students will greatly benefit from Single Stop,” said Paula Umaña, who recently joined the staff to serve as the College’s Single Stop director.
When a person visits the Single Stop office, he or she has an opportunity to meet with an experienced benefits coach. Using a Web-based software program called Benefits Enrollment Network (BEN, for short), the coach can, in as little as 15 minutes, outline the benefits for which the person may be eligible.
In a recent 30-month period, the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and Single Stop USA have connected more than 48,000 community college students with $97 million worth of financial support. Students around the nation have received an average of $2,000 in public benefits, services and tax credits through Single Stop USA. The Community College of Philadelphia is the 16th College in the nation to launch Single Stop, said Diane Adler, of the Single Stop USA press office.
The College’s program is looking forward to serving students from the Main Campus and Regional Centers. In the coming months, offerings will expand to include free tax preparation, financial counseling and legal assistance.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, students should contact Single Stop at 215-516-3710, Singlestop [at] ccp.edu (Singlestop[at]ccp[dot]edu), or visit their office located in the Mint Building, Room M1-21; office hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“It is priceless to see how the work we do has a direct impact on the students we serve,” Umaña said.