SCC's Success Coaches Help Struggling Students

Over the past year, Spartanburg Community College has made a bold investment in student success—one that’s already transforming outcomes and lives. What began in Spring 2024 with just a single Success Coach has grown into a dynamic team of eight, including three Dual Enrollment Coaches stationed in local high schools and five based across SCC campuses. The team uses real-time data, faculty alerts, and proactive outreach to identify students at risk, intervene early, and remove barriers to success. These coaches are transforming the student experience through personalized support, meaningful relationships, and a strong sense of community connection. SCC’s Success Coaches are more than advisors— they’re advocates, problem-solvers, and champions for student perseverance, offering individualized guidance, hosting events and workshops, and walking alongside students every step of the way. Coaches help students navigate academic and financial challenges, build essential skills, and stay on track to graduate. They also collaborate across departments to identify systemic barriers and develop targeted outreach —proving that real-time support can drive real results. For example, coaches discovered that many students were withdrawing due to unpaid balances

In response, SCC implemented a system to flag at-risk students early and connect them with financial resources—before the issue escalates. The team also monitors students on academic probation and suspension, developing personalized plans that promote both accountability and encouragement. In addition to one-on-one coaching, SCC’s Success Coaches host workshops that are vital to student engagement. These events support outreach, skill-building, and awareness of campus resources, while also fostering meaningful connections. Success Workshops cover a wide range of topics, including study strategies, time management, college preparation, social-emotional health, a sense of belonging, and overcoming failure.

Behind every number is a success story—like the dual-enrollment student in crisis who was identified and supported, the student who overcame several failing semesters before switching programs of study, or the high school student who stopped attending classes during a personal crisis but was re-engaged through targeted outreach. Thanks to SCC’s strategic commitment, increased awareness, and coordinated resources, the College is redefining what student support looks like—helping students reset their academic paths and move forward with confidence. Through workshops on time management, emotional wellness, study strategies, and building a sense of belonging, the Success Coaches are fostering a culture of resilience across campus. These events do more than offer academic tools—they help students form connections with one another, engage with vital campus resources, and envision a broader, brighter future. Looking ahead, SCC’s Success Coaching program serves as a model for what’s possible when innovation, compassion, and strategy align. Every student interaction becomes a turning point—and together, these moments are building a more empowered, supported, and successful student body.

SCC’s SOAR (Support, Opportunity, Achievement, and Retention) program provides short-term financial assistance to help students overcome final barriers on their path to graduation. Eligible students may receive tuition or balance support for one semester, along with up to $250 per semester in book assistance until they complete their program. To date, 41 students have participated in SOAR, with 12 graduates—three of whom completed their programs in Spring 2025. Catelyn, for example, owed nearly $500 for her final class but had no way to pay the balance. Thanks to her close relationship with her Success Coach, she felt comfortable seeking assistance. The team identified her as a SOAR candidate, covered the remaining balance, and Catelyn graduated with a 4.0 GPA.

Learn More About SCC's Success Coaching: https://www.sccsc.edu/students/success-programs/success-coaching/