CU at Home and Parkland College Join Forces to Empower Student Success

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In Champaign, Illinois, Parkland College opens its doors to approximately 12,000 students annually, each eager to embark on a new academic adventure. These students come from a variety of backgrounds, many of whom are striving to reconstruct their lives and further their education.

This diversity and resilience are where the collaboration between Parkland College and CU at Home truly shines. Dr. Marietta Turner, a staunch advocate of education, is at the heart of this partnership. With a firm belief in education’s societal impact, she has devoted her career to ensuring student success.

“The world is their oyster,” Dr. Turner, who is the Dean of Students at Parkland, remarked, highlighting the boundless opportunities education can offer.

For several years now, Dr. Turner has merged her enthusiasm for education with her dedication to CU at Home’s mission. Her involvement extends beyond the classroom as she actively contributes to the organization by serving on its board.

“One of the things that we try to get students to consider is taking the first year experience class where they do career exploration,” she said. “It helps them figure out ‘how do you want to help change the world? and what would you enjoy doing?’”

Turner has connected with hundreds of students over the years and has several unforgettable memories with many of them. One of them involves helping a young girl out of a domestic violence situation.

“Everyone came together to get her support. We were able to get external community support to help her get out of that situation,” she said.

Then, that student went on to join the U.S. Military.

Two current CU at Home clients take classes through Parkland as well, each with a different dream career. Alex Coker, for example, wants to work in the trades and set an example for his young son.

Besides, Turner knows education and experience create role models, and a domino effect of change moving forward.

“If you can help your family see that this education has made a difference for you, now you’ve helped raise that next generation,” she said.

CU at Home clients, board members and other staff members will be at One Winter Night on Feb. 6 in Downtown Champaign. You’ll notice people sleeping outside that night, raising money and awareness for Champaign County. For more details, or to sign up, click here.