Empower UC Enrollment Slow But Steady

Empower Upper Cumberland seeing success one month into its first enrollment period.

Director Megan Spurgeon said as of Tuesday, they have over 90 applicants in the system, with 15 fully enrolled. She said they hope to grow these numbers in the coming months.

“Just a little bit slow to get the word out,” Spurgeon said. “The best marketing we have traditionally seen in the past has been word of mouth, and because we have not fully started working with a lot of people that word of mouth is just a little bit slower. But we’re excited and we can see a huge uptick in people requesting information as well as the applications that we’re receiving.”

Spurgeon said the pilot initiative will accept up to 800 low-income families to help them move up the economic ladder. She said they have begun to work with some families about budgeting and long-term goals. She said that will help them figure out how to best come in with support funding.

“Empower Upper Cumberland is just a great opportunity for families that are slightly struggling or struggling more than others and need a hand up and an extra layer of guidance and support that can help get their needs met,” Spurgeon said. “We have so many great opportunities through Empower Upper Cumberland with the Highlands TRainign Center, connecting families with family engagement activities through Ready to Learn with WCTE.”

Families will be able to visit empoweruppercumberland.org to apply for services.