Duncan Scholars’ commitment to student success extends far beyond providing full tuition assistance for recipients. Students face a variety of external challenges that can impact their studies and ultimately derail degree completion.
Duncan Scholars offers comprehensive support services, ensuring scholars have the resources and guidance needed to overcome obstacles and thrive through college completion and beyond.
Duncan Scholars’ partnerships with McLennan Community College, Texas Tech University, Tarleton State University at MCC’s University Center, and Baylor University help students earn a post-secondary credential or degree without taking on student debt. However, academic success is not just about attending classes, it requires an extensive support system.
Addressing Barriers to Success
Duncan Scholars is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with students in order identify, recommend and connect them with appropriate resources to address a variety of issues, including but not limited to:
- Food Insecurities: Working with local food pantries including Paulanne’s Pantry on MCC’s campus and meal programs to ensure students have access to nutritious meals.
- Housing Insecurities: For students struggling with stable housing, connections are made with local shelters, housing assistance programs, and emergency housing resources.
- Academic Supports: From providing organization and study tips to tutoring services and study resources, students are provided with a multitude of 1:1 support and workshops to help students excel in their coursework.
- Mental Health and Counseling Supports: Mental health is a common barrier to degree completion amongst students. Staff ensure students are aware of the professional counseling services, mental health programs, and crisis support available to them on campus and in the community. Duncan Scholars also hosts professional presentations for stress seminars and self-care workshops for students on an annual basis.
- Emergency Funding: Students may encounter external financial barriers that push their limits for academic success. Staff ensure students are directed to appropriate funding opportunities for emergency needs such as vehicle repairs, medical expenses, housing assistance, and other urgent financial challenges.
- Transportation Assistance: Transportation is another common barrier amongst our students. Duncan Scholars provides assistance with bus transportation, emergency ride-share services, and vouchers for driver's license fees and courses. By removing transportation barriers, the program ensures students can access their education and essential resources without added stress.
- Access to Health Care: Duncan Scholars helps students connect with local resources for general health care, eye care, and dental care in partnership with MCC and Transformation Waco. Whether students need routine check-ups, vision exams, or dental services, the program provides guidance and referrals to ensure they receive the necessary medical support to maintain their well-being and stay focused on their education.
A Holistic Approach to Student Success
Duncan Scholars recognizes that every student’s journey is unique and unexpected challenges can arise and affect their entire future. Duncan Scholars is committed to serving students every step of the way—not just with tuition assistance, but with real, practical solutions to ensure students can achieve their educational goals without being derailed by life’s hardships.
To learn more about Duncan Scholars visit our webpage;
