Student Care and Advocacy is Pellissippi State’s central contact to help students who have nonacademic issue arise while they are on their educational journeys. We believe in promoting overall well-being and focus on issues around economic stability, housing, transportation, food access and health care.

Student Care and Advocacy’s mission is to provide holistic student support by connecting students to internal and external resources that address nonacademic barriers to success. It’s our job to help students start, stay and finish strong. Whether it’s a flat tire, an overdue utility bill or and empty pantry, we are here to listen to students and help problem solve.

Student Care and Advocacy also houses the Pellissippi Pantry and the Hardin Valley Campus Garden. The Pantry and Garden directly support food security efforts for our Pellissippi State students, staff and faculty. They are also excellent places to utilize for volunteer and Service-Learning opportunities.

The Student Care and Advocacy office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. -4:30 pm. If you need to speak with someone, contact sca@pstcc.edu or call 865-539-7417.

Support Services

• Links students to college and community resources, including the Pellissippi Pantry & Hardin Valley Campus Garden for those experiencing food insecurity
• Provides ongoing follow-up with student throughout the semester
• Serves as the liaison for students experiencing homelessness
• Serves as a support for student formerly in foster care
• Offers programming around topics such as transportation, food security, child care, medical resources, legal support and financial wellness.

If you find yourself in need of support of community resources, there are several agencies that may be able to help. 2-1-1 East Tennessee is a great place to start. 2-1-1 provides a comprehensive list of local, regional and statewide resources, including, but not limited to housing/utilities, food, transportation, medical, etc.

In addition to applying for the Pellissippi Pantry, some students also qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Tennessee Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program.

If you need transportation assistance, Knox Area Transit provides transportation to our Magnolia campus. Students needing transportation to Strawberry plains, may contact CAC. Knoxville residents attending the Hardin Valley Campus may contact CAC to find our about their partnership with Knox Area Transit. Pellissippi students who are close to UT Knoxville campus, can also explore Ride the T to our Hardin Valley Campus. ETHRA serves as a great resource for our students in Blount and surrounding counties.

Of course, each individual situation is unique and we are available to help you identify the best resource for your situation. Please contact us at sca@pstcc.edu