CIRSS – Center to Improve Rural Student Success

Empowering Rural Communities Through Education

Bridging the Gap in Rural Education

Providing resources, support, and opportunities for students in rural communities to thrive academically and professionally.

About Us

The Comprehensive Initiative to Improve Rural Student Success, also known as the Center to Improve Rural Student Success (CIRSS), is a four-year, grant-funded project supported by the Department of Education through the Rural Postsecondary & Economic Development (RPEDS) program. The RPEDS program aims to improve postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion rates among rural students by developing high-quality career pathways aligned with high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industries in the region.

Through targeted support programs and services, CVCC aims to address the unique challenges faced by rural students, including limited access to educational resources, career pathways, and technology. The grant will fund the development and expansion of initiatives that promote student success, such as personalized academic advising, career coaching, and the integration of advanced learning tools. Ultimately, this grant will help bridge the gap between rural students and their academic and career goals, while contributing to the economic growth of the surrounding region.

Project Overview

CVCC created the Center to Improve Rural Student Success (CIRSS) to serve the rural communities in the region. CIRSS will expand the College’s capacity to: positively impact rural communities within the service delivery area that are farther away from the College campus; deliver resources to bridge the digital divide and access electronic enrollment processes; provide educational and career information to rural middle and high school students; and target a cohort of rural students from the group of underserved individuals who are not employed, enrolled in school, or enlisted in the military to prepare to fill in-demand industry sector occupations and accept the challenge to work in and support rural communities.

Our Team

• Kia Lewis
  CIRSS Project Specialist
  334.214.4894
  Shhkia.Lewis@cv.edu
• Tabitha Joseph
  CIRSS Student Navigator
  334.214.4893
  Tabitha.Joseph@cv.edu

• Charon J. Austin
  CIRSS Project Manager
  334.214.4891
  Charon.Austin@cv.edu
• Nicole Cameron
  Dean of Instruction/CIRSS Program Director
  Nicole.Jackson@cv.edu

Programs & Services

• Student Support: Advising CVCC Dual Enrollment Students and other students in rural communities within Region 5, which includes Russell, Barbour, Macon, Bullock, Lee counties in Alabama and 50 mile radius within Georgia rural counties.
• Student Engagement and Development: Training workshops, career development, and student engagement activities to keep students involved in CVCC campus events and activities.
• Community Engagement: Rural education advocacy, community service projects. Please contact our Project Specialist to speak about opportunities.
• Technology & Innovation: Digital learning initiatives, broadband access projects.
• Research & Policy: Studies on rural education challenges and solutions.

Get Involved

• For Students: How to apply for scholarships, advising and staying on their degree plan, transfer, and career guidance.
• For Educators: Training resources, grants, and workshops.
• For Donors & Partners: Donation opportunities, sponsorship programs.
• Volunteer Opportunities: How individuals can contribute their time and expertise.

Resources

Contact Us

• Address: CIRSS Office Location, Owens Hall, Office Suite 111, Ground Floor 1
• Email: CIRSS@cv.edu
• Phone: (334) 214-4894
• Social Media Links: https://www.facebook.com/CVCCPirates

The contents of this guide were developed under a grant from the Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education and should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.