Location

J. M. Hodges Learning Center, Library

Hours

Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) & Science Technology Engineering & Math (STEM)

The TRiO SSS / STEM Success Center housed at the WCJC Wharton Campus location is a relaxed and informal environment equipped with all of the technology and resources students need to be successful. The TRiO SSS and STEM staff work as a family of advisors, guides, helpers, and friends to each student. The staff strives to expand the horizons of students academically, socially, and culturally. Students that need academic advising will have access to our dedicated team. Students that need help with their coursework can get assistance from the SI and Academic Support Leaders. As a team, the TRiO SSS and STEM staff will ensure academic success.

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TRiO SSS & STEM Staff

Marybelle Perez
Director of College Transition P-16
9795326534
perezm@wcjc.edu

Marybelle Perez is the Director of College Transition P-16. Marybelle holds a M.S. in Educational Management from University of Houston – Clear Lake and a B.S. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from University of Houston – Main Campus. She has worked in the field of education in multiple capacities and has several years of grant management experience. 

Jessica Falcon
TRiO SSS Project Director 
9795326478
falconj@wcjc.edu

Jessica Falcon is the TRiO SSS Project Director at the Wharton campus. She has been a full-time employee at WCJC since 2006. Jessica received her AA degree in Psychology from WCJC. She then continued her education at Liberty University and received her B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies and her M.A. in Human Services with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. Jessica is beyond excited that WCJC was awarded the TRiO SSS Grant and is passionate about helping students achieve their educational goals. 

Veronica Garcia
STEM Success Coach 
9795326495
garciav@wcjc.edu

Veronica Garcia is the Success Coach. Veronica began her college career at WCJC and then transferred to Lamar University where she earned her B.S. in Community Health. At Lamar University, Veronica did internships with the Beaumont Health Department under the Bio-Terrorism field and 911 EMS. Veronica joined WCJC as a full-time employee in 2005. She looks forward to helping students as a bilingual Success Coach. 

Shayna Barker
TRiO SSS Advising & Coaching Specialist 
9795326477
barkers@wcjc.edu

Shayna Barker is the TRiO SSS Advising & Coaching Specialist. Shayna has held various positions as a WCJC employee. She received her A.A.S. Degree from Wharton County Junior College and is excited to be a part of the TRiO SSS Team. Shayna also teaches part-time as a Medical Office Specialist Instructor for the Continuing Education Department. 

Johnny Guerra 

STEM Clerk/SI
979.532.6476
guerraj@wcjc.edu

 

Fernando Hernandez 

TRiO SSS Clerk 
979.532.6385
hernandezf@wcjc.edu

 

Harley Braun 

Part-time Academic Support Leader
braunh@wcjc.edu 

 

These staff members will help students by providing advising and academic support to improve their success and assist them in the transition from community college to four-year institutions.

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Resources

The center is equipped with 20 computers and 12 laptops for students to use. Models (General Biology, A&P and Geology), TI-84 graphing calculators, charts, books and other resources are also available for students to use at the center to complete their work.

Faculty is encouraged to use the center to meet with students and have students work collaboratively in learning communities.

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About the Grants

TRiO Student Support Services Grant 

The TRiO Student Support Services Grant is a five year, renewable grant that is funded by the Department of Education. The Student Support Services Project is designed to provide comprehensive and proactive academic support and personal development services for 140 low-income, first-generation in college, and/or disabled students to achieve persistence and graduation rates that exceed that of the general student body. Applications for TRiO SSS are located in the center. 

Title V HSI STEM Grant

The Title V Hispanic Serving Institutions STEM Success Project is a five year grant from the Department of Education to increase learning and success in STEM fields of study, especially among Hispanic and other low-income students. The project's focus was on student learning and success in STEM fields of study. Funding for this project ends on September 30, 2016.