TRIO day honors student achievement

Submitted by Kevin Turnbough
Phone: (907) 474-5907
02/21/05

The accomplishments of federally funded education programs known collectively as TRIO will be highlighted at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 1-2 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 Tuesday afternoon reception will celebrate the 40th year of Upward Bound and the 13th year of the Upward Bound Math/Science programs at UAF with a brief slide show of the 2004 summer programs. Two educational talent search programs with the College of Rural Alaska will also be recognized as the newest Alaska TRIO programs. These new programs will serve students in over 40 rural Alaskan communities.

Student Support Services’ students from the Fall 2004 semester with a grade point average of 3.00, or higher, will be recognized for their outstanding academic performance. UAF Chancellor Steve Jones and Provost Paul Reichardt will be on hand to congratulate students for their achievements.

Combined, TRIO programs at UAF provide educational opportunities to over 900 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 Washinton 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.