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Connect2Complete, a program of Campus Compact supported by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, works with nine community colleges in Florida, Ohio and

Washington to utilize peer mentoring and community-engaged learning as strategies for retention of low-income, developmental education students.

 

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As  a  first-­‐generation  college  student,  Hannah  recognized  the  value  of  a  college  education  and  wanted  to  get  a  head  start.  Although  her  first  semester  of  college  was  a  challenge,  Hannah  quickly  realized  that  Big  Bend  offered  a  multitude  of  resources  to  support  her.    

When  Connect2Complete  was  looking  for  Peer  Advocates  to  support  student  success,  Hannah  knew  she  wanted  to  get  involved  so  she  could  help  other  students  connect  to  the  resources  that  had  been  so  helpful  to  her.  Now,  Hannah  connects  students  to  tutors  or  academic  help,  supports  students  in  course  registration,  and  engages  students  in  service-­‐learning  projects.  Hannah  says,  “I  didn’t  know  about  the  opportunities  available.  I  didn’t  meet  the  people  that  could  help  me  be  successful.  C2C  is  a  great  resource  about  how  to  be  successful  in  college  –  it’s  easier  to  talk  to  someone  closer  to  your  age.”  C2C  has  helped  Hannah  as  well:  “Connect2Complete  has  helped  me  become  more  confident  in  myself.”  And,  it’s  given  her  the  opportunity  to  help  people  –  which  she  hopes  to  continue  to  do  in  her  education  and  future  career.    

 

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Hannah  Chisholm  hopes  to  pursue  a  career  such  as  social  work  where  she  is  able  to  help  people  connect  to  the  resources  available  to  support  them.  At  just  18  years  old,  Hannah  has  nearly  completed  her  Associates  in  Arts  and  Science  degree  at  Big  Bend  Community  College  through  the  Running  Start  program,  which  allows  high  school  students  to  earn  college  credits.    

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Connect2Complete: A Conversation with Hannah

Peer Advocate – Big Bend Community College, WA

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At  Right:  Hannah,  left,  at  a  C2C  service-­‐learning  event  

Above:  Hannah,  right,  provides  support  to  a  C2C  student