SOAR (Support Options for Achievement and Retention) is a TRIO Student Support Services Program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of the SOAR Program is to provide academic, personal, career, and financial assistance to students who qualify based on one or more of the following criteria: low-income status, first-generation college student (neither parent has completed a bachelor’s degree), or a documented disability. The SOAR Program focuses on students’ assets and how to apply them in navigating college life.  It provides the support needed to overcome obstacles and connect with resources to reach their goals.

To apply to the SOAR program, click on the SOAR application.

QUICK LINKS:

• Staff
• SOAR Services
• SOAR Program Requirements and Application
• SOAR Newsletter

General Information

SOAR Program Location

SOAR is located at MCC’s Spruce Pine campus, 1st floor on Gwaltney Hall first hallway on the right from Receptionist's desk (Campus/ Learning Center Maps).

Hours of Operation

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mondays–Thursdays
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Fridays (During summer, MCC is closed on Fridays)

How to Contact SOAR

Telephone: 828.766.1205 or 800.4.MAYLAND
Mail: Post Office Box 547, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
E-mail: dstafford@mayland.edu

Staff​

	Debbie Stafford, Director 828.766.1281 dstafford@mayland.edu
	Debra Cagle, Administrative Assistant 828.766.1263 dcagle@mayland.edu
	Dora Smith, Transfer Counselor 828.766.1260 dsmith@mayland.edu
	Maria Braswell, Personal/Academic Counselor 828.766.1261 mbraswell@mayland.edu
	Elizabeth Hardy, Supplemental English Instructor 828.766.1312 ehardy@mayland.edu
	Larry Shook, Supplemental Math Instructor 828.766.1315 lshook@mayland.edu

SOAR Services

• Academic Advising
• Tutoring
• Transfer Advising and Transfer Trips
• Study and Learning Skills Development
• College Resource Development
• Academic/Personal Empowerment
• Mid-Term Progress Checks
• Social and Cultural Opportunities
• Financial Resources and Money Management
• Assistive Programs/Agencies Referrals
• Computer Lab and Lab Assistance
• Disability Services and Referral

SOAR Program Requirements and Application

We’re pleased that you’re interested in joining the S.O.A.R. Program! Please read carefully below before filling out the application.

To qualify for S.O.A.R., you must be:

• a degree-seeking student (pursuing an Associate’s degree or Diploma) for the first time, with no degree of any kind;
• planning to attend full-time and completing your program of study within 4 years OR planning to earn a degree and transfer within 4 years;

AND you must meet ONE of the following qualifications:

• You are a first-generation college student (meaning that neither parent has a four-year college degree);
• You have limited income by federal guidelines;
• You have a disability that may impact your pursuit of a degree.

If you have any questions about the above qualifications or the attached application, please don’t hesitate to come by the S.O.A.R. office! We are located on the second floor of Gwaltney Hall. You can also send us an email at dcagle@mayland.edu or give us a call at 828-766-1263.

To apply to the SOAR program, click on the SOAR application.