TRiO students, staff to volunteer at Joel’s Place

February 21, 2013

Marmian Grimes

Marmian Grimes

907-474-6844
2/20/13

Students and staff members from University of Alaska Fairbanks TRiO programs will volunteer at Joel’s Place, a local youth center, from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23.

Organizers hope their work will promote awareness of TRiO programs and offer participants a chance to connect with young people in the community. The service activity is in recognition of National TRiO Day, which was established by congressional resolution in 1986.

TRiO programs help first-generation, low-income and disabled students complete four-year degrees. TRiO programs at UAF include Upward Bound, which provides an early college experience, and Student Support Services, which offers tutoring, mentoring, social and cultural engagement, and access to educational resources.

Volunteers will clean and paint the Joel’s Place facilities and assist with snow removal and other property maintenance.

Student Support Services will also recognize low income, first generation and disabled students who are succeeding in their studies an event in the Wood Center Multilevel Lounge, Thursday, Feb. 21 from 1 – 2 p.m. TRiO officials will also honor UA President Patrick Gamble with the TRiO Champion Award, in recognition of his advocacy on behalf of TRiO students and those from similar backgrounds through his support of comprehensive advising initiatives in the UA system. Guest speaker Bill Abbott, human resources director at Fairbanks Native Association, will received the TRiO Achiever Award.

ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Sarah Smith, Student Support Services acting director, at 907-474-6844 or via email smsmith16@alaska.edu.

MG/2-20-13/208-13