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Southwest Tennessee Community College Receives $895,504 Grant for “Saluqi Cares” Student Support Services Program

For more information, contact Diana Fedinec, Southwest Tennessee Community College Director of Public Relations and Media, at 901-333-4247 or dfedinec@southwest.tn.edu.

(MEMPHIS, Tenn.) - Students at Southwest Tennessee Community College (SWTCC) will soon benefit from enhanced support services through the Saluqi Cares program, thanks to a $895,504 grant from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). This funding is part of the DOE’s Basic Needs – Supporting Student Success Program, which aims to reach higher retention rates and increase degree or certificate completion by addressing basic needs insecurity. 

As Tennessee’s only designated predominately black institution (PBI), SWTCC serves a diverse and historically underserved population, many of whom face systemic challenges and require assistance beyond academics to succeed. This grant represents a critical investment in the college’s mission to holistically support students in achieving their educational and career goals.

"We are deeply grateful to the Department of Education for this generous funding," said Tracy D. Hall, president of Southwest Tennessee Community College. "This support significantly enhances our ability to serve our students by expanding vital resources and offering a broader range of comprehensive support services. Ultimately, it will empower every student at Southwest to thrive academically and achieve their educational goals."

The funding will allow SWTCC to significantly expand the Saluqi Cares program, which addresses barriers such as mental health, transportation, and food insecurity. Key initiatives under the grant include:

  • Mental Health Services: Expanded access to mental health sessions including online support and college-wide suicide prevention training for faculty and staff.
  • Transportation Assistance: Support for public transit passes and rideshare options to ensure students can reliably access classes and campus resources.
  • Food and Basic Needs Access: Enhanced partnerships with online platforms that connect students to a comprehensive database of federal and state benefits, including food assistance, housing support, and financial aid.

Budget planning for these initiatives will begin in January 2025, with full implementation of expanded services expected by the Fall 2025 semester.

Through these enhanced support systems, SWTCC reaffirms its commitment to fostering the social, emotional, academic, and career development of its students, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed. 

For more information about the grant, contact Director of Grants Development and Management, Suzanne Gibson, at sgibson12@southwest.tn.edu.