EVOLVE Business and Entrepreneur Magazine First Coast Region - October/November 2025 | Page 29

THE ORANGE PARK, PALATKA AND ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUSES OFFER:
THE FOUNDATION
• 50 + scholarships funded by contributions- aiding 250 students achieve their academic / career goals each year.
• The Random Acts of Kindness program helps keep students on track during a financial crisis with a onetime gift.
The student experience at SJR State incorporates social connections, proactive guidance, personalized attention, financial provisions, and holistic support services – all crucial for student success.
best day,” Session said, referencing the campus ombudsmen and food assistance. The proactive measures promote holistic student wellness through early intervention and support, including the Viking Exchange, a designated area where students can access food, school supplies and personal care items— no questions asked.
Helping students stay on track can also include monetary support through financial aid, scholarships and the Random Acts of Kindness program that offers critical support for students facing financial emergencies.
For student Brandall Kearse, his household faced an overwhelming financial setback when a family member experienced severe health issues. He even considered taking a semester off from college.
Kearse said the money to cover the cost of textbooks and other school expenses was gone, until he reached out to his campus ombudsman and learned about the Foundation’ s new emergency-need stipend program-“ Random Acts of Kindness.” Thanks to generous donors, the program can offer critical support for students facing financial emergencies.
“ I didn’ t have to worry about delaying my education. The program allowed me to get my textbooks and meet other financial obligations,” Kearse said, keeping him on track to graduate.
Andrew McClellen, who began SJR State as a dualenrollment student, was able to stay on track with his classes thanks to the college’ s free tutoring services. He said it was more than personalized instruction— he felt understood and passed the college algebra course.“ They wanted to see me succeed,” he said.“ That encouragement made me want to keep trying.”
CAREER SERVICES
• Offers students free resume / interview preparations and career exploration.
• Career fairs put students in touch with local employers.
ADVISING
• Empowers students to identify and accomplish their educational and career goals.
• Ombuds promotes holistic student wellness through early intervention and support.
• Tutoring services are free and are available online and in person.
• SJR State is a Military Friendly ® School and is committed to connecting military service members, veterans, and their families with the services and resources they need.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
• Students can feel connected with the campus community through weekly activities.
• Students can join a variety of clubs – or better yet, start their own!
• Community service opportunities are another way to connect with fellow students and the community.
• The Viking Exchange, funded by college employees, provides food, school supplies and personal care items.
LIBRARY
• Provides students access to credible resources( academic journals, books, and scholarly databases) that support coursework and research. This access helps students build research skills, produce stronger papers, prepare for class discussions, and build subject-specific expertise that leads to academic success.
• Many students think of the Library as their home on campus, a welcoming place where they can study, connect with resources, and find support.
Learn more about student resources at bit. ly / 46MBlGu.
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