Empowering Lives through Education: The Visions Unlimited Program at Tarrant County College

By Allen White

In today’s world, education is one of the most vital tools for breaking the cycles of poverty and instability. One program, housed at Tarrant County College (TCC), is making remarkable strides to ensure that even those facing housing insecurity can access the life-changing opportunities of higher education. Led by Dr. Dorothy “Tina” Jenkins, PhD, LBSW, LPC, the Visions Unlimited Program has been a beacon of hope since its founding in Spring 2007, providing underserved communities a second chance.

The Birth of Visions Unlimited

The story of Visions Unlimited began with a simple visit to another community college. Inspired by the success of a similar initiative, TCC administrators sought to create a program to assist individuals experiencing housing insecurity in transitioning into higher education. Dr. Jenkins, who joined the program in 2009, played a pivotal role in expanding its reach, and forming key partnerships within the community. Her vision was to not only provide educational opportunities but to develop a holistic support system for students facing immense challenges.

Dr. Jenkins shares that one of the program’s strongest partnerships is with the Cornerstone Assistance Network, a collaboration that provides housing and case management services to Visions Unlimited students. This relationship is one of many examples of how Visions Unlimited strategically partners with organizations to meet the diverse needs of its students.

Reaching Out and Building Community

Each semester, the Visions Unlimited team actively seeks out students who could benefit from the program by visiting shelters in Fort Worth and Arlington. These visits are designed to connect individuals who may be unaware of the educational paths available to them. In an orientation meeting, potential students are introduced to the program’s resources, including free bus transportation, books, and supplies for both initial classes during the first semester. For those students who do not qualify for financial aid, there is some limited funding available to assist (on a case-by-case basis) until they can restore eligibility. They also provide referrals to community housing resources as appropriate, based on availability.

Since its inception, Visions Unlimited has served approximately 600 students, accepting an average of 15 students per semester. Dr. Jenkins notes that while this number may seem small, personalized support and the depth of services offered ensure that each student receives the attention and resources they need to succeed.

The Visions Unlimited Program does not have a formal operating budget. The program’s existence relies heavily on community partnerships, corporate and individual donations to assist with books/supplies for the first semester, and tuition for those who do not immediately qualify for financial aid. The Visions Team completes these duties as part of their job contract with the college in their respective roles.

More than Just Education

Visions Unlimited offers more than just a pathway to a degree. The program is deeply committed to building resilience and fostering personal development in its students. It provides intensive academic and financial aid advising, housing referrals, and even access to scholarships. Notably, Dr. Jenkins personally funded the initial Visions Unlimited Scholarship, which helps students transitioning out of shelters with essential items for their new homes. This scholarship, along with others, reflects the program’s commitment to addressing not only the academic but also the practical needs of its participants. Through the TCC Foundation, a myriad of scholarship opportunities are made available, which also act as confidence builders for the students.

One of the unique aspects of the program is its course content. Students are enrolled in two credit courses that blend psychology with career development. In PSYC 2315 (Psychology of Adjustment), students explore theories related to personal and social environments, communication, and life management skills. In PSYC 1300 (Learning Frameworks), the focus is on career development, with students creating career portfolios, participating in mock interviews, and conducting career interest inventories. These courses equip students with the tools to not only succeed in the classroom but also in their future careers.

To read the full story, click on the cover of the October 2024 issue.

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