Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How do I receive my funds and do I have to pay them back? 

The ARC primarily awards grant or scholarship funds, which do not have to be paid back. These funds will be awarded through your personal bank account or TechOne/Bank Mobile student account. Students can change their refund preferences through their bankMobile account or by contacting their Student Accounting department.

2. How can I apply for assistance and what are the requirements?

To apply for assistance, locate the Culture of Caring icon on the TSTC portal page or visit the Culture of Caring webpage. All current TSTC students are eligible to apply for assistance. 

3. What resources are available through the ARC? 

To promote a Culture of Caring at Texas State Technical College, we are dedicated to addressing student-defined needs, eliminating barriers, and doing Whatever it Takes to help our students reach success.

The ARC provides a range of assistance for students:

• Child Care

• Clothing

• Counseling referrals

• Food

• Housing assistance

• Transportation

• Utility bill assistance

• Community resource referrals

• Emergency aid

• Case management and life skills workshops

4. What is an ARC coach and how can I schedule an appointment with them? 

The ARC’s goal is to develop a partnership between the student and their ARC Coach by providing resources, guidance, and mentorship to promote student success. Visit the Advocacy & Resource Center at your local campus to schedule an appointment or find contact information for your ARC Coach on the Culture of Caring webpage. 

5. What do I do if my situation is urgent? 

In case of an emergency: call 9-1-1. 

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: dial 9-8-8.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: call 800-799-7233

For urgent basic needs such as homelessness or food insecurity, contact your local ARC Coach and inform them of your situation.

Services for Students Who Are The Parent or Guardian of a Child Younger than 18 Years of Age
ARC staff members serve as liaison officers for current or incoming students at TSTC who are the parent or guardian of a child younger than 18 year of age. ARC can provide information to students regarding support services and other resources available to students at the institution including, but not limited to:

• Child Care Referrals.

• Child Care Assistance Stipends (services are contingent to meeting the qualifications for each respective campus and child care servicing agency).

• Transportation Assistance and/or referrals.

• Resource referrals for medical and behavioral health coverage and services.

• Referrals to and assistance applying for public benefit programs, including programs related to food security, affordable housing and housing subsidies.

• Referrals to other support services offered by TSTC, such as tutoring, mentoring, counseling and more.

• Referrals for employment assistance.

• Other ARC services and referrals that can support the student's needs.

Services for Students Who Were Formerly in the Conservatorship of DFPS
ARC staff members serve as liaison officers for current and incoming students at TSTC who were formerly in the conservatorship of DFPS. ARC can provide information regarding support services and other resources available to the students at the institution and any other relevant information including, but not limited to:

• Referrals to the DFPS PAL caseworker for their region.

• Assistance navigating the foster care tuition waiver process.

• Referrals for scholarships.

• Emergency aid specifically for students who have been in foster care.

• Referrals to and assistance applying for public benefit programs, including programs related to food security, affordable housing and housing subsidies.

• Referrals to other support services offered by TSTC, such as tutoring, mentoring, counseling and more.

• Other ARC services and referrals that can support the student's needs.