The Tempest Sept. 2-Sept. 22, 2015

Page 1

T

TEMPEST

Catcalling: It’s ruining our society OPINION ON 3

<< See what Solano’s artists have been working on lately FEATURES ON 4

Two sculptures on display in “Introductions” by art instructor Marc Lancet. See page 4 for more. Hailey Dykes/Tempest

How does Solano stack up against the competition? NEWS ON 2

• SEPT. 2 - SEPT. 22, 2015 • VOL. 32, NO. 1 • FAIRFIELD, CA • www.solanotempest.net •

SCC secures grant, allowing scholarships for STEM majors Judith Perez Staff writer

Each student will receive an average of $3,000 a year for two years of study at Solano and one year after they transfer to a four-year university of their choosing.

jperez@solanotempest.net

Thanks to a $622,715 grant from the National Science Foundation, Solano Community College has awarded 20 scholarships this year to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) majors. The grant money will ultimately be used to award 165 scholarships to “academically talented and financially needy” students over a five-year period, according to an SCC news release. “Applying for the funding was competitive,” said Professor Genele Rhoads, director of the grant. “Lots of schools across the country apply for these through the NSF.”

With such a hefty scholarship there comes a broad set of standards applicants must follow, Rhoads said. She emphasized the need to be a full-time student, have a minimum of 12 units, be in one of the STEM majors and take at least one STEM class each semester. “There are 20 scholars this year. We can give up to 35 next year so we’re hoping to expand the program next year,” said Rhoads. Next year she says she hopes to recruit more awardees from local high schools. Out of this year’s 20 scholars

only two came directly from high school, Rhoads said. J.D. Winters, a computer science major who received one of the scholarships, said that it allowed him to quit his job, allowing more time for studies. “It gives me more time to not worry about money,” Winters said. Richard Coucoules, chemical engineering major, agreed with Winters and said that money was a common worry for a lot of the scholars. “The problems I had with school was supporting myself as I was going to school,” Coucoules said. “It’s like a job I don’t get paid for. It’s a job that I give money away for, so the scholarship definitely helped me out.”

“The most important part is preparing our students to be future STEM professionals,” said Jose Ballesteros, the director of Solano’s Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) program. Ballesteros said through this scholarship, scholars get more opportunities for professional development. “We’re learning as we go, as we move forward,” Ballesteros said. “We’re taking the experience that we have had running other programs and using those to allow us to put the students in their best interest.” Editor’s note: Staff writer Judith Perez is one of this year’s STEM scholarship recipients.

Make the most of your trip to financial aid Melissa Espinoza Staff writer mespinoza@solanotempest.net

Financial aid touches every aspect of a college and here at Solano the staff at the financial aid offices work in keeping programs in the school so that financial is not taken away from the students. Robin Darcangelo is the Associate Dean of Students, Financial Aid, EOPS/CARE and Veterans. Darcangelo has been at Solano College for four years but has 20 years of experience. Darcangelo and her staff have been working to bring more programs, information and assistance for the SCC students. “Financial aid is a national resource, is not limited to a community college,” Darcangelo said.

During her first year at SCC, Darcangelo had to deal with numerous complaints from unsatisfied students. This year Darcangelo and her staff made sure that students got their financial aid by the first week of classes. Solano’s financial aid office has grown so much over the past few years and has become successful in students’ satisfaction. About $30 million come out of the financial aid office each year to help Solano students, Darcangelo said. Solano’s financial aid office has launched a Financial Literacy program to help students learn how to manage their money, manage a bank account, living expenses and make better money choices.

One of the staff members of the financial aid office trained and has been certified by the state of California to teach workshops for SCC students. Another great resource is Financial Aid TV, offered on the SCC website. This is a series of videos which answer questions students have about financial aid. “The success is due to the fact that I have a highly trained staff,” Darcangelo said. Darcangelo said she is seeking more funding and hopes the department will keep improving and offering new programs and ideas. Serving five generations of students toward success is what is most important, Darcangelo said. “They are not just students but our partners and we believe in them.”

Additional Information • • • •

Learn about the different types of financial aid and their requirements. The FAFSA, BOG waiver, and Pell Grants are just some of the financial aid oppurtunities available to students. Always apply early for financial aid. You don’t want to get stuck waiting weeks after school has started to get money for textbooks. If you need assistance, go to the financial aid office in the 400 building or use the links on the SCC website. If you are just submitting paper work to the financial aid office, don’t waste your time in line. There is a drop box available located on the left of the office windows.

MORE ONLINE AT WWW.SOLANOTEMPEST.NET Check out our special extended Campus Conncetion online!

Melissa Espinoza/Tempest

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” -C.S. Lewis


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
The Tempest Sept. 2-Sept. 22, 2015 by Solano Tempest - Issuu