The U.S. Department of Education recently touted the success the Educational Opportunity Center at Rogers State University and student Vanessa Butler Crouch, who overcame long odds on her way to college.
RSU and Vanessa were featured in a national email sent out last month by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education as it solicits applications for upcoming EOC grants. The story praised RSU’s EOC project as “truly exemplifying the EOC mission by assisting adults who don’t have easy access to higher education.”
The RSU EOC project provides services to Oklahoma inmates, in addition to other vulnerable groups, including those in workforce centers and adult foster care. EOC staff members work with these groups to help them take critical first steps towards re-entering the educational pipeline, which Vanessa said are often the hardest. The EOC project does not steer students towards any particular college or university, but helps students make educational decisions that best suit their needs.
When she first met with EOC Education Specialist Kyle Davis, Vanessa was assessed at the 5th grade level. With assistance and guidance, Vanessa was able to pursue successfully earn her GED certificate. She was admitted to RSU in 2012 and expects to graduate in December with her associate degree in sociology with a goal to pursue a bachelor’s in community counseling.
Here’s Vanessa’s story in her own words as shared in the education department email:
I grew up in a poor home where my dad was an addict and not around much. I first used drugs at age ten and thought it was normal. I loved my dad even though he was an addict. He passed away my junior year of high school, I was broken hearted. After that I followed my dad’s footsteps, selling and using drugs. I missed a lot of school and failed my senior year.
By age nineteen I had a felony case, my drug addiction continued for three years and I ended up in prison. In prison I regained focus, determined to be a better person. Wanting to get my education; TRIO helped me enroll in GED classes in the fall of 2010 where I obtained my GED.
Upon release in September 2011, I came to His House Ministry Homes in Claremore, Oklahoma. TRIO again assisted me by completing my FAFSA and the admissions application to Rogers State University. I was not accepted into RSU because of my felony conviction. However, a special person from RSU stepped forward to support my application, within days I was accepted. I was going to RSU, I was thrilled!
Attending RSU, the EOC family has been there offering advice, friendship and a smile of encouragement. This unconditional support has been constant for me as I work toward my degree at the university. While attending RSU I served as house manager at His House Ministry Homes helping women released from prison transition into society. Today as a leader in Celebrate Recovery I visit women in the County Jail, who struggle with addictions. My goal is to earn a degree in Community Counseling, becoming a drug and alcohol counselor helping those recovering from addictions. I’ve worked hard to get where I am today with a lot of help from TRIO and an education. Six years ago I didn’t see myself as a college student because I had no confidence. Today I know I can do whatever I want and be whoever I want to be with the support I have. There’s no stopping me!
RSU originally shared Vanessa’s story during in summer 2013. http://www.rsu.edu/student-finds-new-start-with-educational-opportunity-center/