Student Support Programs
Student Support Programs (SSP) is a justice-orientated and equity-driven space that recognizes academic success is tied to addressing students' holistic needs. SSP offers a range of programs and services that address basic needs, systemic barriers, and institutional challenges which can provide meaningful support for students
Trauma-Informed Space: We are committed to creating a supportive and safe environment for all. Our student support programs are designed with a trauma-informed approach, recognizing that many individuals have experienced trauma and that these experiences can impact learning and well-being.
Our Trauma-Informed Approach Includes:
- Well-being: We create spaces where students feel comfortable and free from judgment, harm or surveillance.
- Trustworthiness and Transparency: We build trust by being transparent about our processes and decisions. Clear communication and consistency help to foster a sense of reliability and respect.
- Peer Support: We recognize the value of peer relationships and encourage a supportive community where students can connect with others who understand their experiences and challenges.
- Collaboration and Empowerment: We collaborate with students to ensure their voices are heard and valued. Our approach emphasizes empowerment, providing students with choices and control over their support services. We are not intrusive or assume we know student needs.
- Cultural, Historical, and Gender Sensitivity: We acknowledge and respect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. Our practices are inclusive and sensitive to cultural, historical, and gender-related factors that may impact their experiences.
- Empathy and Compassion: We approach every interaction with empathy and compassion, understanding that each student's journey is unique. Our staff is trained to be supportive and to listen actively to student needs.
- Resilience and Strength-Based Focus: We focus on the strengths and resilience of students, helping them to build on their capabilities and find ways to thrive despite challenges.
We aim to provide a nurturing environment that promotes healing, growth, and academic success. We are dedicated to continuously improving our practices to better serve our students and to support their well-being in every aspect of their educational experience.
Programming Information
Website: https://seattlecentral.edu/campus-life/student-support-and-services/student-support
E-mail: StudentSupport.central@seattlecolleges.edu
Office Hours: M-Th 8am – 4:30pm In-Office; Fri 8am – 12pm Online
Location: Seattle Central, BE 3215
Housing Assistance
SSP does not offer temporary or permanent housing. However, we do offer navigational and referral assistance to different kinds of local housing programs, and finding information on housing/rooming services, emergency shelters, and transitional housing options.
Food and Stability Resources & Pantry
The Food and Resource Pantry offers supplemental groceries, toiletries, and school supplies to currently enrolled students on a weekly basis. Students are welcome to ask questions about benefits access, community resources, and other strategies around decreasing expenses and increasing income as a student.
All students are welcomed to utilize Polack Food Bank with their Student IDs during regular distribution hours.
Childcare Assistance
Childcare Assistance Program offers funding, information, and referral resources to students desiring childcare assistance while attending school.
Emergency Funding
Emergency funds offer a one-time financial help to currently registered students experiencing an immediate or emergent financial hardship that will hinder their ability to persist in education at Seattle Central.
An immediate or emergent financial need is defined by a life event, unexpected financial burden or necessary expense that provides short-term financial instability.
Student Specific Programs
Re-Entry Support Programs
Re-Entry Support Programs provides navigation through the educational process from interest to graduation and provide student directed support for people currently in work release. The re-entry program also refers community-based resources and partnerships.
Veterans Services
Veterans, and members of active-duty military personnel or dependent, qualify for assistance in navigating the GI Bill, campus resources & mentorship, professional counseling & tutoring, and access to our Veterans Student Lounge.
Foster(ing) Youth Success Program
FYS Program assists former foster youth and unaccompanied youth students in navigating Seattle Central and the Passport to College scholarship, that assists with college costs, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, personal expenses, and transportation.
Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness (SSEH) Program
SSEH Program addresses the basic needs of students experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or who were in foster care when they graduated from high school.
Students will be funded on a case-by-case basis with priority to those who are aged out former foster care youth, with a first-come first-served budget pool.