MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Marion Technical College has seen the importance of assisting students. Most of the student population are adult learners who have made career sacrifices to attend college. Its job is to help students find resources to get them over whatever challenge they are facing. It even helps them completing their coursework and ultimately their degree program. Since January 2025, 356 students have been served. Students are encouraged to visit The Connections Center any time they have a concern or question. The Connections Center does just what is says, it connects the students to offices such as tutoring, financial aid, and advising. They also offer a food pantry, hygiene closet, and resources available throughout the community. The Connections center also assists with transportation needs, technology, and financial literacy. They are connected with Marion Matters to assist the students even further with outside community resources.
Rachel McCall, Connections Center Coordinator states, “Students often feel relieved after visiting the pantry and utilizing its resources. Each week I see them is one week closer to their goal.” Holiday seasons are the most stressful for students which is why the Connections Center, along with staff and faculty, make feast boxes for students in need. Last year the college gave 67 students a great Thanksgiving feast; this year’s projection for the feast boxes is 100.
The Connections Center will be hosting a bake sale and online Dessert Auction to raise funds to restock the pantry before students come back for classes in January. The Bake Sale will be held on Campus December 2 & 3, to coincide with Giving Tuesday. The Online Dessert Auction will feature local celebrity bakers. The Auction will be live Dec 1-4, winners may pick up their prizes on Friday Dec 5 from 12-7p.m.