By Jeff Murphy,
February 22, 2016
WARRENSBURG, MO - To commemorate the continued efforts of TRIO programs and to focus
the nation’s attention on the needs of disadvantaged young people and adults aspiring
to improve their lives through education, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has proclaimed
Saturday, Feb. 27, TRIO Day in Missouri.
TRIO Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday in February as a way to recognize
the important contributions education has on society, as well as to provide an opportunity
to thank American taxpayers for supporting efforts to help qualified TRIO participants
to earn their bachelor’s degrees. Missouri is joining with other states in celebrating
more than five decades of success in serving students since the first TRIO program,
Upward Bound, was made possible through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
TRIO programs are available to help first-generation, low-income, and disability-challenged
college students with academic need. Student Support Services is one of two federal
TRIO programs at UCM that receive funding through competitive grants from the U.S.
Department of Education, and one of seven nationally that provide direct services
to disadvantaged students. A program that has existed at UCM since 1976, SSS benefit
services include free credit courses in math, writing, study techniques and college
strategies, as well as academic coaching in high-risk courses, comprehensive advisement,
and access to technology. The other TRIO program at UCM, McNair Scholars, was established
in 1991 to help disadvantaged students prepare for doctoral study.
“Involvement in TRIO is proven to increase likelihood of degree completion. Many of
our students are the first in their families to attend, let alone graduate, college,”
said Chris Beggs, director of TRIO/Student Support Services. TRIO/SSS and McNair Scholars
together have served a total of 4,310 students since their inception. This does not
include the current year, which includes 319 SSS students and 28 McNair Scholars.
Across Missouri, TRIO Day, in many cases, will be a day of service. There are approximately
60 programs in the state, celebrating Saturday by giving back to their communities
through volunteering in local areas of need, holding special gatherings, campus forums,
open houses, or distributing information about the benefits TRIO programs have on
the local, state and national communities. The benefits of having TRIO programs in
Missouri include working toward mitigating the poverty gap, ensuring quality education
for youth, and providing opportunities for a better tomorrow.
To learn more about TRIO opportunities at UCM via the Department of Academic Enrichment,
visit the website ucmo.edu/ae/trio/.
