TRIO Funding at Tri-County Exceeds $1 Million for First Time

CONTACT: ELAINE SCOTT-MATTISON, EXT. 1590

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/20/2002

PENDLETON - Funding for the TRIO programs at Tri-County Technical College this year will exceed one million dollars for the first time since their inception 24 years ago at the College.

Tri-County's three TRIO programs, Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search and Student Support Services, are designed to provide educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstances, according to TRIO Director Elaine Scott-Mattison.

"TRIO has an enormous responsibility in providing supportive services to students from the time they enter middle school until they graduate from college," said Mrs. Scott-Mattison. "One million dollars is a great deal of money; however, when your purpose is to meet the academic, career, personal and technological needs of low-income and first generation students, it is only a fraction of the funds needed to serve all of the eligible students in the tri-county area." There are 25,633 families with children under the age of 18 who meet the eligibility requirements in the three-county area, she added. TRIO programs are funded to serve a total of 860 students (Talent Search – 650; Upward Bound – 60 and Students Support Services – 150.)

Upward Bound, a program designed to help high school students to develop the skills and motivation necessary to complete secondary school and successfully pursue post-secondary educational programs, has received $370,275. The program will serve approximately 60 low income and or potential first generation college students from the 14 area high schools.

This program targets those who are potential college students and gives them information and assistance concerning the college opportunities available to them.

Upward Bound provides high school students with services year round through its academic and summer bridge components. Students receive supplemental instruction in the core curriculum courses of English, math, laboratory science and foreign language. Academic guidance and career and personal counseling also are provided. This year's grant includes a $12,115 work study supplement that is intended to provide incentive for program participants to attend the summer component and to allow them to earn income while they are there.

The Educational Talent Search program received $372,680 in funding for 2002 – 2003. This is the first of a five-year grant that scored in the top 10 percent and received a perfect score by readers in the grant competition. The program, in its 21st year of funding at the College, provides students with the academic and motivational support that enables them to graduate from high school and to enroll in the postsecondary institution of their choice.

Tri-County provides academic, personal and career counseling; tutoring; study skills and SAT/ACT workshops; cultural activities; college tours; and assistance in completing and submitting college admissions and financial aid applications for students who meet eligibility requirements.

This year, the office will develop and implement a mentoring program for its middle school and high school participants. Another feature of the new proposal is technology workshops for parents, which will be conducted throughout the year.

Student Support Services, an academic support program at Tri-County Technical College since 1978, has received a $271,436 grant. This is the second year of a five-year grant and includes $10,000 in grant-aid monies to assist 235 first generation and low-income participants with purchasing their books.

Student Support Services' primary objective is to retain and graduate students from Tri-County Technical College by offering academic counseling, personal and career counseling, tutoring, and educational and cultural enrichment activities. Student Support Services also serves university transfer students. These services include easing the transition for students transferring from Tri-County to four-year colleges and universities; scheduling and conducting college tours; academic advising and monitoring participants' progress while they are at Tri-County; tutoring; and providing liaison services with the senior institutions.

Last year, the program received National Tutor Certification at the Master's Level by the College Reading and Learning Association. Seven peer tutors were certified at Tri-County. In addition, the program presented its Eighth Annual College and Career Fair in March where 24 businesses and 14 colleges participated.

The TRIO programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The TRIO programs are funded entirely by grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.
-30-