Special Populations

At GPTC, we recognize that students who identify with specific life experiences or sub-populations may need tailored support services to achieve their academic and career goals. Through the Perkins Student Survey, students can self-identify their needs confidentially each semester and receive direct referrals to the Office of Support Services – Special Populations Coordinator/Analyst.

Eligible Populations

• Single Parents, including single pregnant students
• Foster Care Alumni, students who have experienced foster care, aged out, or are in Independent Living Programs
• Homeless Students (as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act)
• Displaced Homemakers, individuals who were homemakers dependent on another family member’s income
• Non-Traditional Career Path Students, such as:
  • Males in fields like Practical Nursing, Early Childhood Development, or Cosmetology
  • Females in fields like Welding, HVAC, Cybersecurity, Paralegal, or Automotive Technology
• Unemployed or Underemployed Individuals, including those experiencing income loss, WIOA candidates, or other state/federal funding recipients
• English Language Learners, students with limited English proficiency
• Economically Disadvantaged Students, identified through Pell Grant eligibility

Support Services Offered

• Personalized WIOA Support for GPTC-accepted students
• Campus Support & Referrals (internal and external resources)
• Workshops on health, wellness, and life skills
• Life Skills Coaching
• Crisis Intervention Referrals for personal emergencies
• Community Resource Referrals
• Laptop Lending Program
• Hygiene Pantry Program providing essential hygiene items

Mental Health and Student Assistance

Our goal is to provide professional support to help you manage personal matters before they affect your well-being. GPTC partners with Acentra Health (formerly ESPYR) to provide free, confidential counseling and mental health support for students:

• Call: 866-734-5890
• Chat with Tess: Text "hi" to (442) 245-8065 – Available 24/7/365
• Securely request services online at care.espyr.com.
  (Contact the Office of Student Affairs for the GPTC password)

Additional Crisis Resources:

• Georgia Crisis and Access Line: Dial 988, Call or Text 1-800-715-4225 – 24/7 support for mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse challenges
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org – 24/7 confidential help

Community Resources & Online Support

Find local, free, and confidential support services for housing, food, employment, healthcare, and more:

• Find Help Georgia – Call 1-800-244-5373 or visit findhelpga.org
  Easily search for local resources based on your ZIP code. Access financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, childcare, and other free or low-cost services specific to your area.
• Unite US – Georgia – Visit uniteus.com/TCSGARF
  Connect with a care network to get confidential, no-cost assistance for rent, childcare, healthcare, food, and other needs. Complete the form on the website to submit your request.