New students or those returning to Tarrant County College in spring 2014 who are 50 years old and older can find assistance locating critical resources through TCC’s “Plus 50 Encore Completion Program.”
As a partner in the American Association of Community College’s (AACC) initiative, TCC is among 100 community colleges nationwide, and five in Texas, creating or expanding college programs to engage students and help them complete degrees or certificates in high-demand occupations. AACC is working to reach 10,000 “Baby Boomers” by 2015.
At TCC, students ages 50 and older can receive registration assistance in person at the Plus 50 office on Northeast Campus in the Business and Social Sciences Building, NBSS 1101 B, or by phone at 817-515-6150. The same office will make referrals as needed for student academic and enrollment support service.
The Plus 50 program helps older adults achieve the skill updates and makeovers necessary to prepare them for in-demand careers including certified nursing assistants, dietary managers, dental assistants, mental health professionals, pharmacy technicians and adult basic education instructors.
Plus 50 students receive support from peers as well through the recently organized student organization, Club:50+. The first chapter was organized fall 2013 on the Northeast Campus. Students are working to organize chapters on the Southeast and South campuses as well. Currently, about 3,000 TCC students are ages 50 and older.
“The Plus 50 program and Club:50+ give TCC meaningful opportunities to draw the community into the college campuses and to take the college deeper into the community,” said co-president Warren Talbert.
His wife, co-president SaVannah Talbert, added: “I want people in the community who are age 50+ to get excited about their future through the opportunities TCC affords.
“There is life after empty-nesting and first-career endings,” she said. “TCC is an alternative that will add zest to their lives.”
Among other objectives, Club:50+ plans to implement the 50+ Student Navigators Program. Beginning in spring 2014, student navigators will serve as campus guides for prospective and new 50+ students. They will assist 50+ students with the challenges they encounter.
Meanwhile, interested students may contact Plus 50 Community Outreach Coordinator Debra Sykes West, who is serving as the Plus 50 concierge for the District. West may be contacted at debra.sykeswest@tccd.edu or at 817-515-6150.