Chicago Heights , IL—(ENEWSPF)— Lesliefaye Gogins had a job but knew she could make more money to support her family with a college degree. She decided to return to college to better her life for her and her two children.
While she received financial aid, she still needed tuition assistance. Gogins, a resident of Park Forest, turned to PSC’s office of Illinois Support Training and Employment Program (ISTEP) for Displaced Homemakers for help. Not only did she get the financial assistance she needed, but she received support and encouragement to pursue her college dreams. She realized that dream this past May when she graduated from PSC. She is transferring to University of Illinois at Springfield this fall to pursue a degree in public administration.
“ISTEP provided relief of great stress that came as the result of my choice to leave full-time employment in order to focus on attaining my degree,” said Gogins. “As a single mother, it wasn’t easy, but I received the support I needed from PSC.”
The ISTEP for Displaced Homemakers program assists students, male or female, who have been forced to seek employment outside the home due to divorce or separation, or because of a spouse’s death, disability, incarceration, or unemployment. The program offers help with tuition, fees, books, and transportation as well as personal counseling and job-hunting assistance.
“Men and women who are looking for assistance can take advantage of this opportunity to get the help they need to begin their college education, creating a better life for their families,” said Shelley McCreery, program coordinator.
For more information on the ISTEP for Displaced Homemakers program, contact McCreery at (708) 709-3788.
Fall classes begin Aug. 25. Registration is ongoing until classes begin. All new students must register in person. Registration hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Continuing students may register online at prairiestate.edu or in person. Course listings are available on PSC’s Web site through the WebAdvisor link on the homepage. Print versions of the fall schedules are available on campus. For more information about registering for courses, contact the Counseling & Academic Advising Center at (708) 709-3506.
