TRIO Student Support Services at Penn College Receives Grant

The TRIO Student Support Services Program at Pennsylvania College of Technology − which helps low-income or first-generation students and those with disabilities stay in college and earn degrees − has been funded 100 percent for 2007-08 by a $230,969 grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

TRIO Student Support Services is designed to serve 160 students per year at Penn College. The program provides $12,000 in grant aid annually to selected participants. The money helps cover the cost of college attendance and reduce the loan burden for recipients.

In order to qualify, a student must be a U.S. citizen (or national) and meet at least one of the following criteria: low-income status, first-generation college student (neither parent has earned a bachelor's degree), and/or have a qualifying disability. Students must have a need for academic support and be willing to actively participate in the program.

TRIO Student Support Services provides opportunities for academic development, such as:

• customized tutoring and mentoring services
• personal meetings with professional staff
• academic advice and assistance in course selection
• career guidance and transfer support
• individualized plan for success
• instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, technology and study skills

This intensive, individualized attention makes a significant impact as students pursue their educational goals, and it serves to motivate them toward successful completion of their postsecondary education.

Workshops and programs introduce students to topics that help them apply their knowledge to career development, navigating financial resources, and embracing cultural opportunities that broaden their experience and prepare them to take the next steps in their professional lives.

The program assists students in accessing resources and making connections on campus that ensure success. Professional staff facilitate opportunities for growth, encourage positive expectations and promote self-confidence and self-reliance. Through participation in the program, students become lifelong learners, able to adapt to a changing world.

For more information about TRIO Student Support Services at Penn College, call (570) 320- 2425 or e-mail .

For more information about grant-funding opportunities, faculty and staff may contact the Grants and Contracts Office at ext. 7562 or through its Web portal.