CARES Act Provides Funds to Students; Foundation Establishes Workforce Completion Fund Federal funding for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act, were released in April, and Tri-County received a total of $4.2 million, with $2,123,242 dispersed immediately to eligible students. The CARES Act is federal legislation to provide funding to higher education to lessen the economic hardships that COVID-19 has placed on individuals and families. Colleges and universities are required to use CARES Act funds to provide grants to students for expenses related to disruptions to their education due to COVID-19, including things like course materials and technology, as well as food, housing, health care, and childcare. Colleges and universities must use at least 50 percent of funding for direct student aid and up to 50 percent for college operations. “Our framework was based on two guiding principles: equity and flexibility,” said President DeHay. “Our awards weren’t based on credit hours but on students who need it most. We also were flexible in providing those who have the responsibility to deliver those funds to make professional judgments to increase funding based on student need. I am very proud of that.”
Workforce Completion Fund Established In addition to CARES Act funding, Tri-County has partnered with Bank of America to make additional funds available to
students through its newly established Workforce Completion Fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support to students whose academic pursuits were affected by the transition from in-person to online learning, unemployment or other life situations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Thanks to Bank of America for its continued support and generosity in helping us to change lives, one student at a time,” said Grayson Kelly, vice president for institutional advancement and business relations. The Tri-County Technical College Foundation made a $10,000 gift to the fund, and the College has pledged up to $100,000 in matching dollars. “At Tri-County, we are committed to our vision of changing lives, one student at a time,” said Grayson. “The Workforce Completion Fund has been established by donors who understand that community college students are different and have different needs. Many of our students are non-traditional, working full-time jobs and raising families. It is important that we meet our students where they are and offer them the support they need to stay on track academically so that they can continue to meet the goals they set prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Workforce Completion Fund aims to do just that. It will provide resources to students whose educational journey and life have been altered due to this pandemic.”
Surgical Technology to Transition to Associate Degree This Fall Our Surgical Technology program will transition from a diploma to an associate degree program this fall. In keeping with accrediting agencies’ guidelines, all Surgical Technology programs in the United States must convert to a twoyear degree program by August 21, 2021. Every five years, the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/ STSA) is required to review the profession’s Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Education Programs in Surgical Technology. The new standards prompted the need to require associate degree credentials. Tri-County’s curriculum change was approved last November by the S.C. Technical College System. “I’m so excited—this has been a long time coming. We have been working toward this since I joined the College three years ago,” said Denelle White, program director. “Graduates really do need the additional knowledge and skills. “New surgical procedures are developed every (continued on page 10) day, and technology is advancing so
quickly. Additional classes will prepare our graduates for today’s workplace and help to ensure quality patient care and optimal
Surgical Technology lab June 2020 • 7
