CMU’s TRiO Student Support Services annual report revealed that the program is having a positive impact by increasing retention and graduation rates among student participants.
The report, which was distributed in March 2019 by the program director, said CMU successfully served more than 150 student participants during the 2017-2018 academic year.
The report also included examples of TRiO student success stories. One example includes Kwasi Kyeremeh Dapaah who was recently hired by Lockheed Martin Space Systems.
"At TRiO, the supportive environment provided means anyone from anywhere regardless of their background is set up for success,” said Dapaah. “I can remember not too long ago receiving support for my initial classes, and today I’m starting my dream job at Lockheed Martin Space.”
The focus of the report highlights academic statistics and service highlights.
"TRiO brings incredible value to western Colorado and CMU by helping first-generation students, students with disabilities and/or others who meet low income qualifications," said Melissa Calhoon, CMU TRiO Director. "In a world where many students struggle with their identity in higher education, CMU demonstrates through programs like TRiO that we want these students here, and we are willing to go the extra mile to invest in their success.”
Some highlights from this year's TRiO report:
- 94% of students were in good academic standing and made progress towards their degree
- Direct advising services were provided to 72% of TRiO participants
- 86% of students persisted or graduated from fall '17 to fall '18
- 85% of participants benefited from direct mentoring and counseling services
- Financial literacy training was provided to 77% of participants
- 77% participated in workshops, culture enrichment activities and student activities
Information for the report is comprised of statistics compiled annually as required by the U.S. Department of Education, which funds TRiO. Additional statistic and information are available by contacting the program director.
Partnership organizations and supporters of TRiO include the Daniels Fund, the United States Department of Education, the CMU foundation and several CMU departments.
“Universities should be in the business of breaking down class and economic barriers that thwart upward mobility in society," said CMU President Tim Foster. "Programs like TRiO demonstrate CMU is doing just that.”
View the 2018 report.
