Destination Graduation Helps Local College Students

Heart of Florida United Way and Seminole State College of Florida recently teamed up to launch a new program called Destination Graduation, which helps at-risk college students with any obstacles they might encounter that could keep them from graduating. Targeting low-income students and student veterans, the program offers assistance with childcare issues, finances, transportation barriers, familial support and guidance so that students have access to the resources they need to stay in school.

Using United Way’s 2-1-1 Information & Assistance Helpline and support staff at Seminole State, Destination Graduation identifies eligible students and matches them with the most effective campus or community resources. It also monitors their progress.

Seminole State student, Velencia Duvra, became involved with the Destination Graduation program because her advisors at the school thought it would be a valuable resource for her. “I know I can just pick up the phone and call them and they will be there to help me,” she says. “If they can’t give me exactly what I need, they have someone I can turn to. Before I didn’t have that. It just gives me peace of mind knowing I don’t have to worry about the simple things while trying to complete my degree.”