TRIO Day honors student achievement

Submitted by Kevin Turnbough
Phone: (907) 474-5907
02/19/04

The accomplishments of federally funded education programs known collectively as TRIO will be highlighted at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Thursday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. in the Wood Center multilevel lounge.

TRIO programs aim to increase student motivation as well as improve student retention and success rates at the postsecondary level. Programs at UAF include Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math/Science Regional Center, Student Support Services Project and Educational Talent Search.

The Thursday afternoon reception will recognize UAF TRIO students for outstanding academic performance. UAF and TRIO alumna Tonya Brown, now an employee with the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, will be the guest speaker and UAF Chancellor Marshall Lind and Provost Paul Reichardt will be on hand to congratulate students for their achievements. Minto High School Upward Bound students will also participate.

Combined, TRIO programs at UAF provide educational opportunities to about 400 students each year who are low-income, first-generation college students or disabled. The Student Support Services Project offers academic courses, free tutoring, advising and personal support to enrolled college students. The Upward Bound program works with high school students during the summer to help prepare them for college. The Upward Bound Math/Science Regional Center encourages students in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to pursue an education, which prepares them for a career in math or science. Educational Talent Search assists students in grades 6-12 with academic counseling, tutoring and college placement services.

CONTACT: Kevin Turnbough, Upward Bound coordinator at (907) 474-5907 or e-mail fngkt@uaf.edu for more information.