GLENVILLE, W.Va. – Glenville State College recently hosted representatives from several campuses around the Mountain State for a workshop with the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE). The workshop was aimed at preparing the state to serve more low-income and first-generation students.

Maureen Hoyler, President for the Council for Opportunity in Education, was on hand for the workshop and shared information with those in attendance.

“There is money available now – increased funding – to get students prepared for college,” Hoyler said. “We want to make sure that the states with high need, that the schools in those areas are prepared to submit competitive proposals for their TRIO and GEAR UP programs.”

The workshop included prerecorded welcome messages from West Virginia Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito. Both spoke about the benefits of TRIO programs, the importance of equal access for all students, and how investing in education is an investment in the future.

“The senators have always been supportive and they want to see TRIO grow in West Virginia. The U.S. Department of Education is also supportive of these goals,” Hoyler added.

Throughout the day, workshop attendees discussed various information about their own grant proposals, need criteria, design planning, and more.

“Our whole mission is to assist students with the college pipeline process and that is what we focused on at this workshop, to not only discuss the opportunities available in West Virginia, but to help our partner schools write successful Upward Bound and TRIO program proposals,” said Angela Holley, Director of Education Talent Search at Marshall University, Past President at the Mid-Eastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MEAEOPP), and Governmental Relations Director for West Virginia TRIO.

Federal TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects. The programs include Educational Opportunity Centers, Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement, Student Support Services, Talent Search, Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs Staff, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science, and Veterans Upward Bound.

Recipients of the grants, depending on the specific program, are institutions of higher education, public and private agencies, and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth and secondary schools. Combinations of such institutions, agencies, and organizations may also apply for grants. These entities plan, develop, and carry out the services for students.

Workshop host Glenville State College is home to a TRIO program. Glenville State initially received a Student Support Services TRIO grant in 2005. Student Support Services (SSS) provides opportunities to assist students with basic college requirements, for academic development, and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants.

For more information about Student Support Services at Glenville State College, contact (304) 462-6150.