Support That Meets You Where You Are
At Montco, we’re proud to offer specialized support programs that help you succeed both in and out of the classroom—no matter your background or life circumstances. Through programs like KEYS (Keystone Education Yields Success), ACT 101, and POWER (Partnership on Work, Employment, and Readiness), students receive personalized guidance, academic support, and access to valuable resources. Whether you're balancing school with parenting, returning to college after a mental health challenge, or navigating college as a first-generation student, these programs are here to help you stay focused, supported, and confident every step of the way.
KEYS (Keystone Education Yields Success)
Main Contact: [email protected]
KEYS is designed to support you in your academic endeavors, removing potential roadblocks in and providing assistance to help you fulfill your degree or certificate at Montco.
For those currently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and/or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you may be eligible to receive assistance in the form of:
- Learning how to build healthy support systems for every part of your life
- Partnering with a professional KEYS Program Student Success Facilitator
- Transportation assistance (public transit and mileage)
- Books and school supply assistance
- Childcare assistance
- Community Service and Federal Work Study placement opportunities that may lead to employment
- *These resources are subject to availability and your active participation with KEYS program activities to ensure your continued enrollment. Not participating in workshops, meetings or time sheet submission may result in enrollment closure and TANF and/or SNAP benefits sanctions.
ACT 101
Main Contact – [email protected]
ACT 101 Scholars Program provides free coaching and mentoring, educational tutoring and planning, career planning and outreach to students facing educational, personal and financial challenges.
Students work closely with a success coach to assess goals, and develop strategies and create success plans to navigate the college experience.
Our Services:
- One-on-one check-ins
- Personalized success coaching
- Skill-building events
- Engagement opportunities
- Resource navigation
- And more
Eligibility
You may qualify for the ACT 101 Scholars program if you:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Have a Student Aid Index that meets current program guidelines outlined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (determined by the FAFSA)
- Are registered for 6 or more credits
- Have an academic need or concern
- Examples include but are not limited to being placed in a developmental-level course, having a low GPA or failing a current class, having earned your GED, if you consider English your second language, you are a first-gen student, or having a gap of three or more years in your education. All academic concerns will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis.
ACT 101, also known as the Pennsylvania Higher Education Equal Opportunity Program, is funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
POWER (Partnership on Work Enrichment and Readiness)
Main Contact – [email protected]
Montco's Partnership on Work Enrichment and Readiness (POWER) program can help connect you to campus life, develop your confidence as a student, and discover your educational and career potential. Earn credits towards your college degree and receive support from the POWER Coordinator.
If you are living in recovery from mental health, substance use, and/or trauma disorders, or participate in services offered by the Montgomery County Office of Health and Human Services, you are eligible for the program. The only requirement is that you are capable of completing college-level work.
POWER students meet on campus for 3 hours two days per week (6 hours total) 10 AM – 1 PM. You will take a 3-credit college course, First Year Experience (FYE 101), learn about wellness, career exploration, and academic support services, and receive weekly focused support from program staff and college partners. Tuition, textbooks and materials are included at no cost.
The First Year Experience (FYE 101) covers:
- Personal development
- Student success strategies
- Career exploration
- Campus resources
- Presentation skills
- Time management
- Resumes and cover letters
- Interviewing skills
- Balancing school, work, and life
- Professionalism
- Goal setting and decision-making
- Ethics and boundary-setting
Weekly support and enrichment activities will focus on wellness and recovery, academic readiness, and employment readiness.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Students are admitted to either Fall or Spring semester. All applicants must first apply to the College before completing the POWER application.
