National TRiO Day recognized CState College Access Programs & students

Students

Feb 28, 2022

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. 26, 2022, was the 35th annual recognition of several programs that focus 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 Services.

A few students who participate in Cincinnati State’s TRiO College Access Programs are recognized below.

Student Support Services (SSS) is a Cincinnati State TRiO program that assists students who are first-generation college students, students with disabilities, or students who meet Federal income guidelines.

Paola Bakuenia joined TRiO SSS in September 2020. She is a Culinary Arts major who plans to open an African restaurant after her graduation in 2023.

Paola’s instructors have recognized her efforts in the classroom though Starfish “kudos” for several courses.
SSS staff members also noted that Paola is a student “with great potential and drive” who regularly uses referrals to campus services including tutoring services, the Transfer Center and Career Center, and ESL-related resources.

Amanda Mills, another participant in TRiO SSS, is a first-generation student and a single mom of four sons. She expects to receive her Nursing degree at Commencement in May, completing her academic journey that started in 2017.

Amanda also has a full-time position waiting for her at Jewish Hospital after she graduates and passes the certification exam to become a Registered Nurse.

College Access Program staff members described Amanda as “a shining star who represents resilience and relentlessness.” Amanda has used support services including academic tutoring, as well as personal and professional guidance that helped her gain confidence in managing the demands of school and family.
Amanda’s advice to other students is “Work hard, seek the support you need, and never settle for anything less than your best.”
Amanda also said, “Thank you for everything, Cincinnati State, for being the beacon of light and hope on the hill and providing the academic rigor needed to sustain a much brighter future for me and my sons!”

Ariana Meatchem (right) is a senior at Mt. Healthy Jr/Sr HIgh School and has been an active participant in Cincinnati State’s Upward Bound Program since her freshman year.

This year, she is also a full-time College Credit Plus student at Cincinnati State, and also holds a part-time job at White Castle.

Ariana will graduate in May with both her high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree.

Ariana said, “Upward Bound has impacted me by providing resources and opportunities that have helped me get ahead and enhance my learning experience.”
She added, “Upward Bound also allowed me to explore multiple career paths, and gave me opportunities to meet people already working in the field I want to pursue, psychology.”
So far Ariana has been accepted to 10 schools, including the University of Cincinnati, Howard University, North Carolina A&T and Berea College. Ariana is still weighing her options and is excited for her next step.

For more information about Cincinnai State’s TRiO programs, visit the College Access Programs page of the College website.