CState celebrates student success on National TRiO Day

National TRiO Day is celebrated each year on the fourth Saturday in February, to recognize the importance of the TRiO grant programs funded by the U.S. Dept. of Education.

Feb. 28, 2021, will be the 34th annual recognition of these programs that focus attention on “the needs of disadvantaged young people and adults aspiring to improve their lives if they are to become contributing citizens of the country, and the talent that will be wasted if investment is not made.”

TRiO funding provides educational opportunity for low-income, first-generation students, and facilitates services to help these students achieve their academic goals.

The “TRiO” name refers to the three federal programs that were authorized in 1968 to increase higher education access for economically-disadvantaged students: Upward Bound, Talent Search, and Student Support Service.

Throughout this week, Daily News will highlight TRiO programs at CState and the students they serve.

Donald Hughes is a TRiO SSS (Student Support Services) student majoring in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS). He looks forward to entering the workforce as an ultrasound technician so he can “contribute to society and financially improve my health and lifestyle.”

Eventually, Don plans to work toward a bachelor’s degree in a similar field.

Don said, “My age, disabilities, time out of school, and lack of previous education make these goals more difficult at times; however, with help from Student Support Services I know I will achieve my goals.”

Erma Rutland-White, an SSS Tutor, said Don has faced personal and academic challenges– especially with math prerequsites for the DMS program– but “he was up for the challenge and has displayed resilience and persistence.”

“Don has curiosity and desire to continue to learn and build skills to support his educational goals and career aspirations,” she added.

Don’s daughter, the youngest of his three children, is current finishing a master’s dgree at Western Kentucky University his sons are successful in their professions, so Don is eager to “pick up where I should have begun 50 years ago.”

Don said, “I take one day at a time, strive to keep up, get tutoring, and hope I can avoid falling behind. I don’t learn as fast as I once did or retain as much for as long, which can be a struggle. All I can say is ‘thanks’ to the entire SSS team for all of your consistent and dedicated help.”

“The relentless support from the entire office is helping me shape my future,” Don said.

The TRiO-supported College Access Programs at Cincinnati State include:

• Student Support Services (SSS), which assists Cincinnati State students who are first-generation college students, students with disabilities, or students who meet Federal income guidelines.
   
  TRiO SSS has been in operation at Cincinnati State since 1998, and in August 2020 the grant was extended for five more years, to 2025.
   
• The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) provides educational assistance, career coaching, financial aid information, and advising assistance to students at no cost.
   
  
• A Traditional Upward Bound program serves students at Mount Healthy High School.

For more information, visit the College Access Programs page of the College website.