Providing Academic Support to Students

The PASS Program provides support services to Career & Technical Education (CTE) students to assist them in completing their educational goals. Through Perkins grant funding, the PASS Program provides holistic comprehensive advisement to establish and enhance the connection between the student and college.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Actively enrolled in a Career & Technical Education Program (Certificate/Associate of Applied Science) and be pursuing classes in your respective major.
2. For Instructional Supplements: Cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher and must be registered at least half time. For example, a minimum of 6 hours in Fall/Spring semester and at least 3 hours in Summer I or II semester.

   *Unless number of courses are only pending requirement for selective programs or completion of degree.

3. For Childcare Services: Cumulative 2.25 GPA or higher and full-time status is required (12 hours-No Internet classes) for Fall/Spring semesters. Summer requires enrollment in six hours for full-time assistance and four hours or less for part time assistance (No Internet classes).

   *Unless number of courses are only pending requirement for selective programs or completion of degree.

4. The PASS Program is designed to assist Special Populations enrolled in Career & Technical Education programs. Must meet one of the Special Populations (See: How Do I check if I Qualify?)
5. First time applicants must complete E-LASSI (Learning and Study Strategies Inventory). Link to the E-LASSI will be provided by Advisor after application has been reviewed and number 7 on requirements has been completed. (Application will not be processed without the E-LASSI completion).
6. Must submit a PASS Program application once every academic year.
7. Applicants must complete one hour of mandatory online workshop(s) (two or more workshops from any of the following: Student Lingo - CLE Workshop, Counseling Workshop, or Career & Employer Services Workshop; workshops must total one hour) for Instructional Supplements and/or Childcare Assistance prior to application deadline. Students qualifying for Childcare assistance will be required to complete two additional one-hour workshops during the semester.

How Do I Check If I Qualify?

In order to qualify, students must meet at least one of the following:

1. Individuals with disabilities.
2. Individuals from economically disadvantaged families, including low-income youth and adults. One or more of the following guidelines are used to determine whether an individual is economically disadvantaged:
   1. Annual income at or below the  federal poverty line.
   2. Eligibility for Texas Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or other public assistance programs (includes WIC program participants).
   3. Receipt of a Pell Grant or comparable state program of need-based financial assistance.
   4. Eligible for benefits under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 or the Health and Humans Services (HHS) Poverty Guidelines.
3. Individuals preparing for occupation in  nontraditional fields.
4. Single parents, including single pregnant women.
5. Out-of-workforce individuals.
6. Homeless individuals.
7. Youth who are in, or have aged out of, the foster care system.
8. Youth with a parent who is a member of the armed forces and is on active duty.
9. Individuals with other barriers to educational achievement, including individuals with limited English proficiency.

P.A.S.S. Program Provides CTE With:

• Case Management

  Case management is intended to help CTE students succeed. Case management offers CTE student support identifying and utilizing existing support services on campus (i.e. tutoring, writing lab, etc.), and resources, such as Counseling & Disability Services, Food Pantry, and other services available to students who would benefit from concurrent support from several on-campus and off-campus services.

  The CTE Coach may assist students in navigating their college experience through resources, guidance,and customized one-on-on services. This may include:

  • Advice on handling classes.
  • Referrals to college resources.
  • Help finding and utilizing community supports.
  • Linkage with mental health services.
  • Coaching to develop study skills.
  • Referral to enrichment workshops.

  Students receive an action plan that guides them through the next steps.

• Resource and Referral Services

  Students will be provided information about resources available at South Texas College and/or may be referred to an external service, depending on student need(s).

• CTE Advising

  PASS Program staff members play a critical role in student success. PASS Program staff members provide holistic support to students as they navigate their higher education to post grad journey. CTE students who qualify for PASS Program are assigned to a PASS Advisor. The PASS Advisor or Advisor Specialist provides students with one-on-one advisement and help students with their educational goals. Your respective advisor will continue to reach out to you throughout the semester and provide support to help you complete your degree.

• CTE Advising for Early Registration

  Every semester you will meet with your PASS Program advisor (either face-to-face, Teams or via phone call) to discuss what classes you will be taking in the next semester. This usually happens in October and March.

  During your Early Registration appointment, your PASS Program Advisor will review your remaining requirements, academic goals, and schedule for the upcoming semester.

• Childcare Assistance

  If eligible, you could have some or all your childcare expenses reimbursed. Some requirements include:

  • You must be currently enrolled in a career and technical education major (AAS or certificate) or prerequisite program.
  • Cumulative 2.25 GPA or higher and full-time status is required for Fall/Spring semesters. Summer requires enrollment in six hours for full time assistance and four hours or less for part time assistance.
  • Internet classes may be considered under special circumstances.
  • Childcare assistance is only provided for days and times the student is attending classes at STC.
  • Award is subject to funding availability. Unless number of courses are only pending requirement for selective programs or completion of degree.
• Instructional Supplements (Textbooks/Ebooks)

  If eligible, you may be able to save money on textbooks or Ebooks, by borrowing your one from the PASS Program lending library. Some requirements include:

  • Actively enrolled in a Career & Technical Education Program (Certificate/Associate of Applied Science) and be enrolled in classes specific to your respective CTE Program. To check if you’re enrolled in a CTE Program, please view the list CTE Programs; to check if you’re enrolled in a non-traditional program, please view the list of Non-Traditional Programs.
  • Cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher and must be registered, at least, half time. For example, a minimum of six hours in Fall/Spring semester and, at least, three hours in Summer I or II semester.
  • Award is subject to textbook and funding availability.
    Unless number of courses are only pending requirement for selective programs or completion of degree.
• Nursing & Allied Health Students

  This program was established to ease the financial burden for those students admitted to or enrolled in allied health and nursing programs that have specific requirements. If eligible, you may qualify for assistance with Access Codes, and other program specific services:

  • Actively enrolled in a Career & Technical Education Program (Certificate/Associate of Applied Science) and be enrolled in classes specific to your respective CTE Program.
  • Actively enrolled in a Career & Technical Education Program (Certificate/Associate of Applied Science) and be enrolled in classes specific to your respective CTE Program. To check if you’re enrolled in a CTE Program, please view the list CTE Programs; to check if you’re enrolled in a non-traditional program, please view the list of Non-Traditional Programs.
  • Cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher and must be registered, at least, half time. For example, a minimum of six hours in Fall/Spring semester and, at least, three hours in Summer I or II semester.
  • Award is subject to textbook and funding availability.
    Unless number of courses are only pending requirement for selective programs or completion of degree.
• Electronic Devices

  This program was established to ease the financial burden associated with supplies needed for CTE programs. The PASS Program has laptops and calculators that students can borrow. Some requirements include:

  • CTE student must be enrolled in or approved for admission to South Texas College.
  • Cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher and must be registered, at least, half time. For example, a minimum of six hours in Fall/Spring semester and, at least, three hours in Summer I or II semester.
  • Award is subject to availability of equipment.
• Enrichment Workshops

  Students who participate in the PASS Program are required to participate in enrichment workshops. Workshops provide students with tools to succeed, such as learning strategies, time management, study habits, and so much more.