Hawkeye programs remove barriers to student success

Sometimes, the second time's the charm.

When Tamika Galloway wanted to return to school to pursue a nursing degree, she discovered an outstanding balance was blocking her from registering for classes at Hawkeye Community College.

The Waterloo East High School graduate and nontraditional student felt defeated. She had two children, no vehicle and no idea how she would be able to pay off the debt before classes started.

"I had already been on a waiting list for a long time," she said.

That's where the college's Take 2 program came in. Keri Kono, HCC's assistant director of workforce training and community development, oversees the program that grew from a 2018 Iowa College Aid grant.

"We were tasked with creating a group to remove student barriers to postsecondary education," she said.

That group discovered that some students were able to get to the admission stage only to be told they were not able to register until their balance was less than $500.

"There are 11,000 outstanding account balances at Hawkeye," Kono said. "The average balance is $1,110. That's equivalent to three credit hours.

"We decided to start a small pilot program," she said. "If we could pay their balances down, they could continue their educations."

The program focused on high demand areas — healthcare, manufacturing and information technology — where students could earn a family-sustaining degree.

Staff quickly learned students would need additional support while they were enrolled and partnered with another HCC program, Pathways to Academic Careers and Employment. PACE is state funded and employs navigators who help students resolve challenges they encounter while pursuing their degrees.

"That can be child care resources, transportation, scheduling classes," Kono said.

The program's first cohort started in 2022.

"The proof is in the pudding," Kono said. "There were 23 individuals in the program. Seven of them have graduated, and 12 are still enrolled. We have an almost 85% retention rate."

Kono said the average age of students participating in the program is 29. Sixty-five percent are African American, and 50% are single parents.

"Traditionally, they have an even harder time successfully completing their graduation requirements," she said. "We are knocking it out of the park."

Kono also said the program is financially viable.

"We get $17 in return for every dollar spent," she said. "And there has been a 30% decrease in account balances."

The state has taken notice and is offering other community colleges the opportunity to launch similar programs.

"Nine other schools have applied," Kono said. "We will help support them to reciprocate. To know what we've learned will trickle across the state. That's a great feeling. Students need that help, that extra effort."

Kono has had a mixed reaction to the program's success.

"I'm an optimist to a fault," she said. "I knew we would be successful. I'm not surprised by the retention rate. The navigators do a phenomenal job. But the actual return on investment — that was shocking to me. I am extremely excited to see everybody happy."

Kevin Alvarado, 25, is in his second year at Hawkeye studying civil engineering technology. A Marshalltown High School graduate, Alvarado lives with his sister. He is a full-time student and works part-time at Fleet Farm.

With the support of the Take 2 and PACE programs, he is part of the first generation of his family to attend college.

"The financial part was the biggest barrier," he said. "I wanted to get out into the workforce working with contractors or with a city. I found out I might not be able to come back because of the expense."

Alvarado was surprised by the support the programs offered him. "I'd never heard about it," he said.

Alvarado has not only received financial assistance, but help with scheduling classes, creating a resume, interviewing skills, etc. "And just someone to talk to," he said.

For Alvarado, that someone is Leah Beier, PACE and career pathway navigator.

Beier is currently serving about 60 students, and that number has been as high as 78. She meets with students every 30 days.

"We do what we can to remove any barriers for them," she said. "That can be help with books, clothing, tools, studying for state boards or certificates. We help keep them on track.

"It's about getting to know them and making sure they have a place they feel safe, comforted and cozy," she said. "Once that rapport is built, everything comes out. They share parts of their personal lives. You can see a shift in their body language. Some start talking before the door is shut. It's the best feeling."

The programs also focus on helping the the students find employment and continue to offer support for 90 days after graduation.

"We do mock interviews, job search development, career fairs are a good option," Beier said. "We have them look at what they want to do, where they want to live and that there are no concerns with a job. We will review their benefits with them."

Alvarado said the support has made him more confident, happier and less stressed. He is set to graduate in May.

As for Galloway, she completed her licensed practical nurse requirements and went on to become a registered nurse. She now works on the cardiology and nephrology floor at MercyOne Medical Center.

"I love it," she said.

She has only good things to say about the Take 2 and PACE programs — especially about Beier, who also served as her navigator.

"She helped me with everything — transportation, books, supplies," Galloway said. "Anything I needed, Leah was there for me.

"That first semester was so rough," she said. I thank God for them. A few times I wanted to quit. They are a big part of why I didn't. I was older, in my 40s, and I wanted to do it for my kids. No matter how, do what you want. It's never too late."

And in what may be the perfect ending to Galloway’s story — her daughter is now a Take2/PACE participant working toward her own nursing degree.

Written by Holly Hudson Hill, The Courier