Connections Center opens at Marion Technical College
Students at Marion Technical College now have easier access to a number of support resources in one place with the opening of the Connections Center which helps with issues like transportation, childcare, and food insecurity.
Marion Technical College recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official opening of its Connections Center, which will provide help for students with a food pantry and access to resources for transportation and childcare. Sponsored by Wyandot Snacks, the Connection Center will also assist students in finding employment and counseling resources. The goal of the center is to address barriers to degree completion outside the classroom that many students experience, according to the college's news release.
In addition to Wyandot Snacks' financial support for the Connections Center, the Rotary Club of Marion also donated funds to renovate the space. Wyandot Snacks has a history of providing food item donations to Marion Tech’s student food pantry. President and CEO of Wyandot Snacks, Robert Sarlls, said, "We are excited to help MTC students achieve the skills and training necessary to build meaningful careers. Ensuring their success not only requires access to the important life services the Center provides, but also the proper nourishment to get them through each day. Hunger is not an option. We are proud to play a role in MTC's effort."
President Ryan McCall of Marion Technical College spoke at the ribbon cutting about how the Connections Center will contribute to increased success rates of students. "Many of our students find the biggest barriers to graduation outside the classroom. The new Connections Center provides a one-stop pathway to find help overcoming obstacles with childcare, transportation and food insecurity," McCall explained.
Another source of funding for the Connections Center is a Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education, which is awarding $2.2 million to Marion Tech over the next five years. The grant is intended to help the college serve low-income students. Craig Sohl, director of the Title III grant at Marion Tech, said, "Our goal is to help students reach their goal and complete their certificate or degree. The new Connections Center will help them get to graduation and new career opportunities and keep challenges from derailing their futures."