Advocacy & Resource Center
When life happens, we have resources that can help. The ARC is designed to assist students with non-academic barriers and help the student to get back on the path toward graduation. The office functions as a resource and referral center.
Need Assistance?
Click on the Texas-Sized Care image to the left or click here to connect with an ARC team member!
The ARC’s goal is to develop a partnership with a student by providing resources, guidance, and mentorship to promote student success. We can help you with:
1 on 1 Conversation
Skills for Success Training
Referrals to Resources
Help with Goal Setting and Empowerment
Basic Needs
The ARC can assist students who are insecure in their basic needs. Please fill out the form below, labeled "Assistance Request" and someone will contact you as soon as possible.
Child Care
The ARC also provides referrals for child care. Some locations assist with child care stipends. Services are contingent to meeting the qualifications for each respective campus and child care servicing agency.
Requirements:
must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours
have and maintain a 2.0 GPA
have your child/children in a registered daycare licensed in the State of Texas
Food Pantry
The ARC assists students who are food insecure by offering snacks, non-perishable food and personal hygiene items. This service is free for all students. We believe hunger should not be an obstacle in reaching your academic goal. Donations of nonperishable food and personal hygiene items are always welcome.
Lending Library
The ARC assists students with books from the Lending Library. Priority is given to Special Population students including: non-traditional, out-of-workforce individuals, single parents, Veterans and students with disabilities. Each campus offers services unique to their specific student population. Please see the applicable college personnel on your campus to be directed to resources provided at your location.
Transportation
Transportation stipends are available on the West Texas campuses only. Services are contingent to meeting the qualifications for each respective campus.
Requirements:
must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours
have and maintain a 2.0 GPA
must attend face-to-face classes
driving 20 plus miles one-way to campus
Frequently Asked Questions:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.