For Immediate Release February 15, 2006

For More Information Contact: Harriett Bennett, 317-274-5036 ltrapp@iupui.edu

TRiO Day Connects Students with Members of Congress

INDIANAPOLIS – As part of national TRiO Week activities, IUPUI is hosting TRiO Day, a special gathering of students, graduates, faculty, and staff in support of equal opportunity programs. Activities will be held on Friday, February 24 from 9am-noon in the University Library Corridor. TRiO Week provides an opportunity for students, alumni, and community members to contact Congress and familiarize them with the success of TRiO and how it benefits students, families, and communities. TRiO programs help students overcome class, social, and cultural barriers to higher education. More than 2,700 TRiO programs currently serve nearly 866,000 low-income Americans. Many of the programs, such as Upward Bound, McNair Scholars, and Student Support Services begin serving students in grades six through 12 to prepare them for college.

Rozelle Boyd, former Director of the IU Groups program, former Dean of the IU University Division, former President of the Indianapolis City-County Council, and TRiO historian, will speak at the TRiO Day Celebration.

Lorri Ferguson, who now works for University Orthopedic Associates, said, “Upward Bound taught me self-respect and control, as well as how to step out on faith and reach for my goals.”

There are three TRiO programs at IUPUI that will participate in TRiO Day. Upward Bound is a federal program that assists high school students in preparing for college. This program helps students achieve academic success in high school, select a college or university, and complete financial aid and admissions applications. Students in the Upward Bound program are four times more likely to earn an undergraduate degree than students from similar backgrounds who do not participate in TRiO programs.

“The Upward Bound program has helped me prepare for a successful college experience in so many ways. I experienced college first-hand and I enjoyed all of the time we spent learning, exploring, and striving for goals,” participant Julie Davis said.

Student Support Services provides free services that assist students in academic, financial, and personal growth areas. Students in Student Support Services are more than twice as likely to stay in college than students from similar backgrounds who do not participate in the program. The McNair Scholars Program provides opportunities in research, conferences, workshops, and assistance for graduate programs.

Sophomore Renia Turner said, “Upward Bound gave me the confidence to continue seeking and improving my education above and beyond what I learned from books at school. I was challenged to evaluate my personal situation and environment and find out how I could improve it.”

For more information, please contact Nathan Harris at 317-278-1925.

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