TCC is here to help you connect from home

Fall Semester is quickly approaching and Tidewater Community College has resources to help students be successful when learning online.

The college is offering everything from free hotspots to reduced rates on internet service to free wi-fi in select locations in parking lots on campus. Free computers and laptops are also available.

Here’s what you need to know.

Mobile hotspots for learning
The college has hotspot devices available for students. These devices cast a wireless signal for other devices to connect to so you can use your computer or tablet for online classes and coursework. Students can request a hotspot device by using this form.

Cox Cable discounts for students
Thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the college is able to offset the cost of internet service for students who qualify. TCC is working with Cox Cable to offer discounted internet service for students. To request service use this link.

Wi-Fi available on campus
If you are equipped with a Wi-Fi enabled portable device, you may access TCC’s network in the following campus locations. Spaces are marked “TCC Student Wi-Fi Parking.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Chesapeake Campus: Parking lot next to the Pass Building. You may park in handicapped spaces. Of the four campuses, this area has the strongest external Wi-Fi signal.
Norfolk Campus: On Granby Street in front of the Walker Building and on College Place across from the Green District Administration Building. Note that these are metered spaces with the first hour free.
Portsmouth Campus: On Freedom Avenue alongside the B Building
Virginia Beach Campus: Driveway in front of the Regional Health Professions Center. You may park in the handicapped spaces.

Need a laptop or computer?
Is this your first time in college? If so, you may be eligible to receive a free laptop by enrolling in fall classes at TCC. For details visit here. For more information, email info@tcc.edu or call 757-822-1111.

Also, remember that TCC’s Computer Club makes PCs available through its Computers for Student Success program. Visit here for more information and details on how to apply.

TCC offering scholarships to Virginians whose employment is impacted by COVID-19 pandemic

Tidewater Community College will provide scholarships to eligible Virginians whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to pursue workforce training in a high-demand field.

The Re-Employing Virginians (REV) initiative, announced by Gov. Ralph Northam on Friday, will allocate $27 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars in five essential industries — health care, information technology, skilled trades, public safety and early childhood education.

The initiative will provide one-time REV scholarships of $3,000 to register in a qualifying full-time workforce program and $1,500 to register part-time or in a short-term, noncredit training program.

Interested individuals should email REV@tcc.edu for information on how to apply before the Dec. 14, 2020 enrollment deadline. Additional details can be found here.

“Virginians who have been furloughed, had hours reduced, or lost a job because of the pandemic are struggling and wondering what the future holds,” Northam said. “Investing in programs that help people develop skills in high-demand fields is a win for workers, employers and our economy. As we focus on recovering from the impacts of the global pandemic, the new REV initiative will give Virginians the resources they need to get back on their feet and help ensure that our Commonwealth emerges from this public health crisis even stronger than we were before.”

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Local Workforce Development Areas will administer the CARES Act funding for the REV initiative, with $27 million allocated to VCCS for statewide programs and $3 million for the two workforce areas. Together Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia have experienced nearly 50% of all the initial and continuing unemployment claims.

“TCC is grateful for the opportunity to provide educational funding to the citizens of Hampton Roads,” said Tamara Williams, interim vice president of TCC’s Center for Workforce Solutions. “Our area is still seeing high numbers of unemployment and underemployment, and the situation is exacerbated for women and people of color. The college will award over $3 million in scholarship funds in high demand career areas, bridging the gap between education and industry.”

“If you have lost your job, or seen a reduction in your hours and paycheck, Virginia’s community colleges want to help you,” said VCCS Chancellor Glenn DuBois. “The REV initiative offers you another way into the short-term credential and degree programs that prepare you for a high-demand career. These opportunities will be more affordable than ever before thanks to these grants, and we look forward to helping individuals and families who want to move forward, beyond the unexpected challenges posed by the pandemic.”