What's stopping you?

Tarrant County College students took over television and radio airwaves, bus benches, movie screens and other advertising venues as part of TCC’s spring marketing
campaign. Ads asking, “What’s Stopping You?” targeted prospective students and featured profiles of three currently enrolled students who overcame obstacles to find success at TCC.

A recent high school graduate studying dance, a mother of three learning culinary arts and a U.S. Army veteran training to become a firefighter explained why they chose TCC. The narratives show the District through students’ eyes and offer a behind-the-scenes look at the dance and culinary arts programs and the firefighter training facility.

Their stories are unique, but are linked by a driving desire to improve their lives. The campaign encourages people to consider what is preventing them from pursuing a degree. The ads propose solutions to common obstacles of time and money and along the way, reference the District’s six locations, weekend and online classes, free tutoring and affordable tuition ($885 per 15-hour semester).

"TCC is filled with incredible stories from students who overcame obstacles on their path to attending college,” said Ken Schaefer, president of Schaefer Advertising Company. "When we developed this campaign, we wanted to tell those stories and enable others to realize TCC more than likely has the answers to the question, ‘What’s stopping you?’.

TCC is one of the 20 largest colleges or universities in the United States. Approximately 100,000 students, or one in 21 Tarrant County residents, attend TCC annually.

Suzanne (Cottraux) Groves, executive director of communications, public relations & marketing, said the new campaign is designed to showcase what TCC does best: give students the help they need to overcome challenges and find their own version of success. “As a tax-supported entity, the District must do its part to inform the community about new programs and initiatives,” she said. “Advertising helps us reinforce the breadth, depth and scope of our programs but, more importantly, our fundamental conviction that everyone is ‘college material’. We care about the success of our students, and offer the help they need to reach it. The students in our new campaign illustrate that commitment beautifully.”

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Sara Ferris

Pathway: Culinary Arts

Stay-at-home mom Sara Ferris began writing a new recipe for her life two years ago when she enrolled in TCC. “I’m doing this for my children, to give them a better future,” she said. Ferris knew she wanted to work in culinary arts, and researched TCC’s Associate of Applied Science degree. She moved from South Texas to attend classes at the Southeast Campus. “I was scared — how was I going to get the money? But there is money if you want to go to school.” TCC offers night, weekend and online classes with financial aid available for those who qualify. Ferris graduated in May and welcomed her third child. “You can do it, too,” she said. “As a mom, you can continue on with your career!”

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Jose Hernandez

Pathway: Dance

A Mexico City native, 20-year-old Jose Hernandez dreams of becoming a professional dancer, but two years ago he was afraid his finances might keep him from ever standing in the spotlight: “My first thought was money. It seemed nearly impossible to attend college.” Guidance from advisers on how to apply for financial aid, plus free tutoring were key to his success. He plans to transfer to a four year university and earn a bachelor’s degree in dance. Hernandez wants others to know money does not have to prevent taking a leap into higher education. “If you think you can’t go to college, you can do it,” he says. “It is affordable.”

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Brandon Brown

Pathway: Fire Academy

In high school, Brandon Brown dreamed of playing professional basketball, but an injury sidelined that idea. He joined the U.S. Army and was sent overseas, yet the extended time away from his loved ones made life difficult. The single dad left the military, returned to Texas and began investigating his prospects. “My grandma passed away in a fire when I was getting ready to exit the military. I knew then that firefighting was my second career.” He enrolled in TCC’s Fire Academy at the Fire Service Training Center at the Northwest Campus. He was skeptical about his ability to work and stay in school, but his new dream is becoming a reality. “Everyone on this campus has been amazing,” he said.