March 1, 2019
Montana Western’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) staff and mentors planned a week of activities in celebration of National TRIO Week Feb. 18-22, 2019. Events included a Just Dance Tournament, Advocacy Day and an annual Pint Night Fundraiser.
The array of activities held during the week ensured fun for everyone, and all events collaborated with the campus and community. On Tuesday, Feb. 19, students showed off their best dance moves by participating in the Wii Just Dance Tournament, which was held in the Wellness Center on UMW’s campus. On Wednesday, Feb. 20 students wrote letters to state representatives, expressing their gratitude for their support of the TRIO programs.
The purpose of the week’s activities was to raise awareness about the importance of TRIO Programs, both locally and nationally. The mission of TRIO Programs is to achieve college access and success for low-income students, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. Montana Western’s TRIO SSS program currently serves 160 students a year.
The first TRIO program was Upward Bound, which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the Johnson administration’s War on Poverty. Over the years, TRIO Programs have been expanded and improved to provide a wider range of services for students and now include Talent Search, TRIO SSS, Educational Opportunity Centers, Federal Training Programs, Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement Program and Upward Bound Math/Science program.
“As a first-generation college student, I came to Montana Western knowing next to nothing about collegiate processes. Thanks to the TRIO Program I have an additional adviser who not only guides me in making decisions that are beneficial to my education, but also genuinely cares about my personal well-being,” said UMW student Shayla McGregor
National TRIO day was celebrated at the Beaverhead Brewing Company on Friday, Feb. 22 with a Pint Night Fundraiser. Beaverhead Brewery donated fifty cents from every pint sold to the TRIO program. Funds raised at the Pint Night will benefit local TRIO students by helping the program provide for services outside of the scope of the grant such as books, etc.
TRIO SSS provides mentoring services to students in addition to connecting them with a community of peers and providing students a support network. TRIO SSS at UMW provides intensive advising and workshops for students during every stage of their education. The program offers students a welcoming space where they can meet and find support. TRIO SSS also provides students with a computer lab.
“I always feel welcome at TRIO, and it is great to see the same familiar faces,” stated Cassandra Punohu, a UMW student in the TRIO Program.
The TRIO SSS staff would like to thank Barrett Minerals, Beaverhead Brewing Co. and the UMW Foundation Office for their continual support of UMW students in the TRIO Program.
For more information about the University of Montana Western TRIO Student Support Services office and provided services, please visit their website.
