What makes Maura DiColla with Cooperating Raleigh Colleges a good neighbor?  

The Research Triangle's Cooperating Raleigh Colleges (CRC) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the college experience for students in the region. Funded by a consortium of institutions, CRC aims to break down barriers faced by college students while promoting collaboration among these educational institutions. In this episode, we speak with Maura DiColla, the executive director who has been part of the organization since 2020. Maura's journey began in higher education, working in admissions and enrollment management, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges students face, especially relating to financial aid and living expenses.

Raleigh is home to a diverse array of colleges and universities, with CRC representing significant players like North Carolina State University, Meredith College, and Wake Technical Community College. The organization is dedicated to developing opportunities for to foster collaboration amongst these institutions while ensuring resources are efficiently shared. The ultimate goal is to benefit students, employees, and the neighboring communities that these colleges serve. By creating synergies among its members, CRC harnesses their collective power and maximizes their ability to serve the educational interests of the region.

Maura reflects on her personal experiences as a college student and how many students, like herself, encounter unexpected hurdles during their academic journeys. Many assume that once a student makes it into college, they will be okay, but the reality is often quite different. Students may grapple with rising tuition, living expenses, and a lack of financial support, leading them to take multiple jobs just to get by. Recognizing this issue led CRC to launch several programs aimed at directly addressing the needs of the student population.

One such initiative is the "Student Supporting Students" (S3) program, which identifies local resources that help students navigate issues like food insecurity, housing instability, and healthcare access. The S3 program mobilizes student ambassadors from participating institutions, creating a robust support network that ensures vital resources are accessible for those in need. By focusing on addressing basic needs, CRC empowers students to concentrate on their academics, knowing there are systems in place to support them.

Another critical aspect discussed is the misconception that colleges are always competing against each other. Maura emphasizes that, particularly in the Raleigh region, the focus among these institutions is on collaboration over competition. A prime example of this ethos is the cross-registration program. This initiative allows students enrolled in one college to take courses and access resources across any of the other institutions involved in the consortium, thereby broadening their educational experience.

CRC also contributes significantly to the local economy. With member institutions generating over $9 billion in economic activity, the consortium represents a vital segment of Wake County's employment landscape, comprising 40% of the area's jobs. This extensive network serves both students and the broader community, enhancing both educational access and job opportunities within the Triangle.

Listeners in the Research Triangle are encouraged to engage with CRC through their online platforms, including their website, which provides insights into upcoming events, collaboration opportunities, and a newsletter to keep the community informed. The podcast illustrates the importance of CRC's work and its impact on the region's educational landscape and economy.

As college students increasingly seek support systems to navigate their complex journeys, Cooperating Raleigh Colleges stands as a beacon of hope and collaboration. Through programming focused on partnership and shared resources, CRC exemplifies how local institutions can prioritize student welfare, ultimately leading to a more informed and empowered community.

To learn more about Cooperating Raleigh Colleges  go to: 

crcraleighcolleges.org

Cooperating Raleigh Colleges

(919) 346-6169