By Tonya Dixon
TRiO Programs at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University recently received nearly $7 million in grants and federal student aid from the U.S. Department of Education to further identify, support, assist and serve low-income students, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities.
TRiO Programs at the university include Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, Student Support Services and the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program.
“TRiO projects play a pivotal role on our campus and in the community as they provide highly structured activities and services which support students in overcoming barriers,” said Chantal Fleming, N.C. A&T executive director of TRiO Programs. “Each project funded provides the TRiO team the opportunity to deliver services that impact the lives of over 860 students.”
This year marks the second consecutive year the university has been awarded funding for three of the programs for continuing projects.
Slated to serve 128 students within the Guilford County School System at Dudley, Smith and Andrews high schools, A&T received $2.7 million to facilitate the Upward Bound Pre-College program. The program will serve students from low-income backgrounds, providing fundamental support including tutoring assistance with college course selection, education about federal aid programs, financial counseling and planning, cultural enrichment and overall exposure, preparation and completion of college.
The university will use $1.3 million to serve 500 pre-college students for the TRiO Talent Search program. The program publicizes the availability of financial aid and assists participants with the postsecondary application process, also encouraging the completion of high school and post secondary education.
The $1.6 million TRiO Student Support Services grant will support 206 A&T students, providing opportunities for academic development, assistance with basic college requirements, tutoring career exploration, participation in living learning communities, early registration, seminars and access to additional grant aid. Students will be required to meet and maintain certain criteria.
Renewed funding for the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program to the tune of $1.3 million ensures 25 A&T students will receive preparation for doctoral studies through research and other scholarly activities.
McNair, a pioneering scientist who was one of the first African American astronauts, earned his B.S. in physics from A&T in 1971 before going on to earn his Ph.D. in physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He and six other crew members died aboard the Challenger when it sustained a catastrophic malfunction upon takeoff Jan. 28, 1986.
“At N.C. A&T, we are beyond thrilled to have been selected as a host institution for a program established in his honor and that will honor his legacy for our current students and those yet to come,” said Melody Pierce, Ph.D., vice chancellor of the Division of Student Affairs.
The goal of the program is to increase academic standing, retention and graduation rates and attainment of Ph.D.’s by students from underrepresented communities. Students will receive summer internships, faculty mentoring, academic and financial counseling and more activities designed to assist in their program matriculation.
“Securing these TRiO programs – especially the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program – is quite an honor particularly since A&T is his alma mater. The funding is critical in our efforts to provide access for students to engage in research with faculty mentors,” said Fleming. “Dr. McNair never lost his connection with A&T, periodically coming back to engage students, faculty and staff in various STEM activities. We look forward to carrying on his legacy.”
