West Virginia University students will celebrate National TRIO Day through service and student-enrichment activities Saturday (Feb. 28). National TRIO Day, traditionally celebrated on the last Saturday of February, has been proclaimed a national day of service.

WVU TRIO students who are part of Student Support Services will be participating in a community service project at the Ronald McDonald House in Morgantown. McNair Scholars will also hold a mock presentation at the Towers Gold Ballroom on WVU’s campus. These presentations will be in preparation for the National McNair Scholars conference held at the University of Maryland, College Park, March 12-14.

“The federally-funded TRIO programs have been instrumental in supplying opportunities to underserved students,” said Betty Mei, Director of McNair Scholars. “TRIO Day is a way these students can commemorate these opportunities.”

Federal TRIO programs include eight initiatives that aim to serve and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programs are funded by federal grants through the U.S. Department of Education. WVU is home to three TRIO programs: – Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars).

Upward Bound provides opportunities for young adults to prepare for college entrance. The program serves high school students from income eligible families or families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. Student Support Services provides a student-centered environment by supplying individualized services to students who are first-generation, income eligible or have learning or physical disabilities. WVU Student Support Services currently has 200 students who are enrolled in their services. The McNair Scholars helps high-achieving first-generation and underrepresented students prepare for graduate school. The goal of McNair Scholars is to help support students who wish to obtain doctoral degrees. Each year, McNair Scholars mentors and supports 25 eligible students.

“The TRIO programs have helped students who have historically be left out of higher education,” said Cindy Drumm, Director of Student Support Services. “Our services provide tutoring, advising, financial aid assistance, financial literacy training and help with navigating college.”

Program directors expect from 70 to 80 participants for TRIO Day. The group will convene at noon in the Gold Tower Ballroom for a light reception. Students, faculty, and the Morgantown community are welcome to attend to learn more about WVU’s TRIO programs.

• -WVU-*

aw/02/26/15

CONTACT:

Betty Mei, Director, McNair Scholars Program
(304) 293-4316

Follow us on Twitter at @WVUToday.