STRIVE for success. We can get you there.
Scholarship . Trailblazing . Resilience . Innovation . Versatility . Excellence
No one achieves success on their own, and that’s why STRIVE is here to help push you to a higher standard. This is a program that encourages and supports students who are first-generational, non-traditional, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and students who want extra support to achieve their education, professional, and personal goals. Partnering with faculty and staff, you will be given the resources you need to succeed. You are limited only by the effort and dedication you put into the program.
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PHEAA
How do you benefit?
Eligible PA residents, who are or have been in foster care after the age of 16, will receive a waiver of college tuition and mandatory fees. This waiver will provide eligible young adults the opportunity to continue their education and graduate college with much less debt.
Am I eligible?
You must meet the following requirements:
- Be a PA resident under the age of 26.
- Received a high school diploma or received an equivalent degree.
- Be eligible for the PA Chafee Education and Training Grant Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood.
- Be a youth in foster care or a youth discharged from foster care at age 16 or older.
- Exited from foster care on or after 16 to adoption or permanent legal custodianship.
- Be enrolled as an undergraduate, at least half-time in a postsecondary institution that is approved by the U.S. Department of Education for Title IV student assistance programs.
- Demonstrate financial need for the PA Chafee Education and Training Grant (Chafee ETG), as determined by the postsecondary institution.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress, as determined by the postsecondary institution.
- Not be in default on a federal student loan.
For more information, visit pheaa.org
How do I apply?
- File a free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Submit a Chafee ETG application
- Enroll at PTC, an eligible PA postsecondary institution.
Financial Aid Assistance:
This federally funded program offers grants to Pennsylvania undergraduate students aging out of foster care who are attending an eligible postsecondary institution.
Support Services
How STRIVE supports you in your academic journey:
- Resources for assistance on campus for SNAP, medical, mental health, and housing benefits
- Academic guidance and assistance in course selection
- Academic tutoring
- Financial and economic literacy education from PTC’s Financial Aid office
- Leadership development
- Part-time job assistance during college and job placement after graduation
- Academic and cultural enrichment activities
- Bi-weekly check-ins with your Outreach Success Advisor
State resources that offer more help and support
- Pennsylvania Application for Benefits (Cash Assistance, Health Care, SNAP)
- SNAP Application
- SNAP (Simple Application) for Seniors and People with Disabilities
- Breast Cancer Prevention & Treatment Program Application
- Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities Application
- Benefits Review
- Medical Assistance Financial Eligibility Application for Long-Term Care, Supports, and Services
These forms, offered in additional languages, can be found at dhs.pa.gov.
SMOOTH Moves, is a program that allows students the opportunity to explore the campus prior to classes starting for 3 days. During the course of the 3 days, these students will have an abundance of activities to help get them acclimated to the campus community!
STRIVE to Success is a program that works to help create an academic plan to support students from day one. Students will have the chance to meet with the program coordinator, Crystal Wamalwa. From this meeting, students will be directed to meet with their Academic Advisor, Academic Chair, and the Dean of Counseling & Student Development. The purpose of these meetings will allow the student to create an Academic Support Plan that will be carried out during their time here at PTC.
STRIVE Mentors are here to help you! We pair each STRIVE Student with one of our dedicated faculty/staff members here at PTC. This partnership will begin your first quarter and will grow during your time here. We host a number of events to help build relationships and support for you and your mentor!
Student Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors (President Student Advisory Board)
The Student Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for students who are dedicated to serving and representing Pittsburgh Technical College. Student Ambassadors provide campus tours, serve as a PTC representative, and perform duties at various campus and community events.
Mental Health Workshops
STEPS: Steps to Evolve, Progress, & Succeed, is a program in collaboration with our Health and Wellness Center that offers informational workshops to students to prepare them for entering the education world. Resources include but are not limited to:
- Overcoming anxiety
- Time management
- Procrastination Prevention
- Invisible Disabilities
- Money Matters
- Adjusting to college and building healthy relationship
Upcoming Events
For more information contact:
Bonnie Ordonez
Dean of Education Systems and Center for Teaching & Learning
STRIVE for Success
No one achieves success on their own, and this includes students eligible for the Fostering Independence Through Youth Act. That’s why PTC has created STRIVE, a program that encourages and supports students to achieve their education, professional, and personal goals. You are limited only by the effort and dedication you put into the program— if you try, you will be supported by faculty and staff and given the resources you need to succeed.
