FasTrack Program
FasTrack is a federally funded Student Support Services (SSS) TRIO program designed to assist first-generation, low-income, former foster youth and students with disabilities as they prepare to obtain a two-year degree and/or transfer to a four-year university.
Office Hours/Location
FasTrack is located in the Student Center Building, SC-110. Our office hours are M- F 8:00-5:00 p.m.
Program Services
Eligibility Requirements
For an EVC student to receive services from the FasTrack Program, he or she must meet the federal eligibility requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants must be a former foster youth, first generation, low income, and/or have a learning or physical disability. The maximum taxable income to be eligible as a low-income participant can be located at http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html for more information. If an applicant is under the age of 24 with no dependents, he or she will also need to supply his or her parent's income information. In addition, students also need to be eligible to for English 102/104 or ESL 92/103 and math 11A/12. Applications may be obtained in the FasTrack office, Room SC-110, or by calling (408) 274-7900 Ext. 6547.
Educational/Career Planning
With the help of our program counselor, students are able plan their academic and/or career goals and complete an Individual education plan (IEP). These IEP’s serve as a kind of "roadmap" that will detail the classes each student will need to meet his or her educational goal(s). IEP’s are also designed to ensure that those goals are met in an organized and timely manner.
Workshops
The FasTrack program offers various workshops designed for student personal growth and academic development. These workshops provide information in areas such as financial aid, transfer requirements, study skills, test taking techniques, time management, money management, writing skills improvement, and math problem solving strategies.
Financial Assistance
Students who have been participants in the FasTrack program for at least one semester, are in good academic standing and are receiving federal financial aid may be also eligible for a SSS (Student Support Services) supplemental grant. These funds are allocated to assist students with educational expenses such as books, supplies, and transportation.
Tutoring
The FasTrack program offers tutoring services in various subjects in cooperation with the EVC tutoring center and FasTrack math faculty members. These services provide additional support to students who are experiencing difficulty in their academic courses. FasTrack students are also encouraged to apply as paid tutors to provide help to other program participants. If you are interested in becoming a tutor, please contact the program office at 274-7900 Ext. 6547.
Counseling
The FasTrack program offers a wide variety of counseling to students enrolled in the program. Because the maximum student to counselor ratio is 160 students to 1 counselor compared to 1,000 to 1 for general campus counseling, the FasTrack counselor is able to provide more personalized attention and customized counseling services for every student enrolled in the program. Services include academic planning, academic progress reporting, personal counseling, transfer information, career assessment/planning, financial aid counseling, and scholarship information.
Cultural Enrichment Activities
Through the FasTrack program, students have the opportunity to visit four-year universities and museums, as well as attend theater productions, and musical performances. These activities allow students to be exposed to activities that will help them investigate transfer possibilities, broaden their horizons, strengthen their social skills and develop an appreciation of the arts.
Do you want more information about how to join FasTrack? Do you have any comments about this web page? Please drop by our office in Room SC-110 or call 274-7900 Ext. 6547.