WIN-R program nominated for award
by Mary Barrera, south news editor

    A South Campus program has been nominated for a state honor.
Women In New Roles (WIN-R), a credit program for women returning to school, was named for the Star Award.

   The Star Award recognizes higher education institutions, organizations, groups and individuals for their contributions toward the goals of Closing the Gaps.

   Adopted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Closing the Gaps is a set of goals for Texas colleges and universities to reach by 2015.

   "The board is addressing its goals in an exceptional way. The Star Award is an excellent initiative because it brings everyone together for student success,” Triesha Light, WIN-R coordinator, said.

   WIN-R is addressing the goals of closing the gaps in participation, success and excellence, Light said.

   Participants in the program have ranged from 17 to 78 years of age. Researchers found that adult women students are often motivated to return to school after the loss of a job, divorce, death of a spouse or career limitations because of lack of education.

   The population that WIN-R has served includes displaced homemakers, single heads of household, women in transition, single parents, late bloomers, widows, battered women, career changers and economically and educationally disadvantaged students, Light said.

   Over the last 10 years, 89 percent of students completed the program. Light credits the ethnic diversity in the program to recruiting methods in the community centers and community outreach.

   WIN-R has closed the gap in excellence with its blended curriculum, knowledgeable instructors and a new Women in Technology unit. The blended curriculum integrates PSYC 1301 and PSYC 2302 from which the students derive helpful skills, Light said.

   The program includes focus groups, job shadowing, goal setting, resume preparation and advising.

   “When students leave here, they have the tools they need and confidence knowing they can reach their goals,” she said.

   WIN-R also sponsors a Wom-en’s Symposium, art show and the Women’s Leadership Forum, which will be introduced in the fall.

   “It is both challenging and fulfilling to represent Tarrant County College in the nomination process,” she said.