The Women on the Way (WOW) Program, is an inspiring resource and support program designed to meet the educational needs of women enrolled at St. Petersburg College. The program was launched in 1981 to provide women, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, with the skills and resources to be successful in an academic setting.
What Is WOW?
WOW exists as part of SPC’s Retention Services and its purpose is to serve students as a resource for information and community referrals, provide support by partnering with community agencies, afford opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, and to increase scholarships and community donations.
Women on the Way provides an incredible opportunity for women to increase their self-confidence and their chances of economic and personal success. Some students struggle with balancing the responsibilities of home, family, work and college classes. Many of their support systems are fragile. WOW creates a “safe haven”, and serves as an extended family, where students are empowered to achieve academic, professional and personal success.
Who Does WOW Support?
WOW genuinely wants to see women succeed in their academic endeavors and create a better life for themselves. Many of the students they support struggle financially and need assistance navigating the academic system and entering the workforce. However, they are determined and committed to earning a college degree or certification. Coordinator Shirley Crumbley recalled with great pride the many success stories that have come from the support and camaraderie of the WOW program, as women mentor one another towards success in life, leadership, and community.
What Kind of Services does WOW Provide?
Coordinator Shirley Crumbley elaborated on students advocating for and empowering themselves. WOW provides students with textbooks, nutrition, career counseling, and appropriate work attire. However, WOW is much more. They serve as advocates for the students facing obstacles like homelessness, domestic violence, and food insecurities. “Intrusive mentoring,” a phrase Mrs. Crumbley employed, involves checking in on students regularly and providing guidance on how to communicate and how to manage stress.
Workshops are held regularly covering topics as varied as resume building, interviewing skills, as well as how to extract oneself from a toxic relationship. Sometimes, Mrs. Crumbley says, the workshops are just “girl talk”—bonding experiences between students. There is a focus on fun and a sense that the WOW offices, in their respective locations, can provide a much needed respite for students who have difficulty completing assignments at home, or who prefer a community atmosphere that encourages them to complete coursework with pride. Mrs. Crumbley happily reported that coffee is always available at all five WOW Offices—a must for any college student!
How Can People Support WOW?
A great deal of support for the WOW program comes from the St. Petersburg College family, donors and collaborators that exist within the community. These include the Generated Federal Women Clubs, The St. Petersburg Free Clinic, CASA, and Radius Church, just to name a few. WOW students or as Shirley Crumbley quipped “WOW Warriors” are called upon throughout the semester to volunteer for these organizations, and they reap the benefits of the relationships. Having a direct link to major social support systems can provide housing, help obtaining food, even help escaping a toxic relationship or compromised living situation.
Members of the St. Pete community as well as Tampa Bay can contribute to the WOW program. New or gently used professional attire can be donated to the clothing boutiques. Sundry items like toiletries and personal hygiene items can be incredibly important to students whose finances are stretched a bit tight. Monetary donations for scholarship grants are accepted as well. One of the most heartwarming ways to help is to adopt a student and/or a student’s family for the Holidays; providing a home gathering complete with festive meals in a welcome and safe environment can boost student morale immeasurably.
WOW students and staff members are grateful for any and all support they receive. In turn the organization consistently gives back to the community through volunteer work, mentorship, and most importantly arming women with the necessary education to fill crucial roles in the workforce. These women are empowered to achieve self-reliance and financial security. They leave WOW with the newfound confidence to be their own best advocates, authors of their own destinies.
For more information, visit www.spcollege.edu/future-students/ why-spc/perfect-fit/women-on-the-way
