Federal Renewal Ensures Continued Support for CWC TRIO Students
Federal Renewal Ensures Continued Support for CWC TRIO Students
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Riverton, Wyo. — Central Wyoming College has received a 5-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education that will support resources for first-generation and low-income students, as well as students living with disabilities, through its TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program.
“TRIO works,” says Dr. Coralina Daly, Vice President of Student Affairs. “This program is essential because it provides the academic support, mentoring, and guidance vulnerable students need to persist through graduation.”
At CWC, 83% of students served through TRIO-SSS are in good academic standing compared to 66% of eligible students who do not participate, proof that this investment is making a measurable difference in student success.
Through TRIO-SSS, students have access to a wide range of academic, personal, and financial support services specifically designed to break down barriers to success. These include academic advising, help with registration, hands-on financial aid and scholarship guidance, and personalized success coaching. Students also benefit from tutoring, transfer planning, time management and goal-setting support, and access to resources such as an equipment lending program, the Rusty Food Pantry, and the Clothing Closet.
“The biggest thing for student support is creating opportunity and providing guidance,” says Jeffrey Sandlian, SSS Program Manager. “Many of our students need someone to help them navigate college. TRIO gives them the extra support to know they can do it.”
Former TRIO advisor Paula Hartbank, now Executive Assistant to the President and Board of Trustees, reflects on her years of service:
“I loved working in TRIO because each day was different. I helped students register for classes, complete their FAFSAs, find tutoring, prepare speeches, apply for scholarships, and plan for transfer to four-year universities. Many started out nervous, but their confidence grew every day. It was a joy to see students bring their families to campus, show them where they studied, and proudly share their progress. Every student I worked with was a success story in my eyes, and I believe TRIO is an essential program for CWC and its students. I am proud to have played a role in it.”
As Congress continues budget negotiations this fall, elimination of TRIO and other student support programs is being discussed. CWC leaders encourage the community to stay informed and provide their input to Wyoming’s delegation. “When you see our TRIO graduates walk across the stage, you see the power of this program in action,” adds Daly. “It would be a shame for it not to continue.” The success of CWC graduates and their families demonstrates the lasting impact of TRIO programs in Wyoming and across the nation.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Marshall Weydeveld
Central Wyoming College
jennifer@cwc.edu
307-855-2103 / 505-231-1776
INTERVIEWS AND IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
https://www.cwc.edu/media-center/
Want to see the impact of TRiO in action? Read more student success stories from CWC: