By Steve Nakata, Administrative Services
PULLMAN, Wash. – The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Washington State University just over $1 million to continue the TRiO Student Support Services program for five years.
WSU established SSS in 2001 to assist students who are first-generation, low-income or have disabilities. The program helps them develop skills, achieve academic success and graduate from college. This is WSU Pullman’s fourth successful grant cycle.
As a land-grant institution, part of WSU’s mission is providing equal opportunity, said Melynda Huskey, interim vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
“I’m a product of TRiO and I know firsthand how the support and encouragement we offer can go a long way,” said Program Director Kristine Attao.
SSS serves 160 students annually with tutoring, individual academic and career counseling, and leadership development. Since the program’s inception, over 800 students have participated and over 500 have graduated with bachelor’s degrees.
During the last three grant cycles, Attao said, the program has exceeded its mandatory objective rates for retention and graduation by 5-10 percent. In 2005-10, for example, 92 percent of participants returned for school the following fall (persistence rate). Ninety-four percent remained in good academic standing, and 82 percent graduated within six years.
SSS on the WSU Tri-Cities campus also recently announced a 5-year renewal grant. In Pullman, WSU’s TRiO offerings also include the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program and Upward Bound.
Contacts:
Kristine Attao, WSU Student Support Services, 509-335-7324, kattao@wsu.edu
Steve Nakata, WSU Administrative Services communications, 509-335-1774, nakata@wsu.edu