What is TRIO?

"TRIO" was coined to refer to the three original Educational Opportunity programs created by the federal government in the 1960's as part of the War On Poverty:  Upward Bound (1964), Talent Search (1965) and Student Support Services (1968). They have since been followed by five other programs, all of which are now referred to as "TRIO programs".

The additional programs are Educational Opportunity Centers (1972), the Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs (1976), the Ronald E. McNair PostBaccalaureate Achievement Program (1986), the Upward Bound Math/Science Program (1990) and the TRIO Dissemination Partnership Program (1998).  The TRIO programs are "eight outreach and support programs targeted to help disadvantaged students progress from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs" (U.S. Dept. of Education).  All TRIO programs are administered by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE).

The two TRIO programs at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College are Upward Bound and Student Support Services.  These programs have been offered at Southeast since 1966 and 1972, respectively. Both are located on the Cumberland campus. Carolyn Sundy is the Director of Special Programs.

Additional information on the federal TRIO programs may be found in the links section.

Student Support Services/Academic Advantage

Program Description

Student Support Services is a program that is especially designed to help students at two- and four-year colleges achieve academic success.  It is funded by the U.S. Department of Education.  All services are free of charge.

Free Tutorial Services

All students of Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College may use the tutorial services and academic resources found in the Academic Support Centers on each campus. The Academic Support Centers offer computer usage with leading business software, internet access, instructional videos and other learning materials.

Academic Advantage Program

Academic Advantage is our name for Student Support Services at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College. Members receive the free tutoring and resources offered to the entire student population, but also receive customized tutorial, counseling and academic assistance.  Members with handicaps are provided with reasonable accomodations in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  

Eligibility for Academic Advantage Program

Students must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Student's parents do not have a bachelor's degree

• Student has limited financial resources (is low income)

• Student is handicapped

Academic Advantage Services

The following services are offered by Academic Advantage:

• In-depth orientation

• Support classes

• Free tutoring

• Advising and counseling

• Two-year/four-year transfer program

• Disability accomodations

• Workshops

• Cultural events

• Visits to four-year college campuses

How to Apply to Academic Advantage

Interested students may contact Shelia Gordon, Academic Advantage Counselor, Chrisman 107 or download the Application Packet.

Upward Bound

Program Description

Upward Bound is a federal program for high school students, freshmen through seniors in Harlan and Bell Counties that:

• Generates academic skills and increases motivation for education

• Develops creative thinking skills, effective expression and positive attitudes toward education

• Provides academic instruction and tutoring

• Provides career, academic and personal counseling

• Provides recreational, cultural and group activities

Eligibility

The selection of an Upward Bound student is based on the following guidelines:

• Student must be a potential first generation college graduate (neither parent at home has a four-year college degree or higher) and attend school in Harlan or Bell Counties

• Student may need to meet income criteria established by the federal government (2/3 of active participants must meet this guideline)

• Student possesses the potential for college or vocational-technical school and has a desire to improve course work

• Student must commit to participate during the Academic Year and the Summer Session

The Academic Year

The student is asked to participate in any or all of the following activities and meetings during the school year:

• A monthly Saturday session at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College

• Frequent Counselor or Coordinator meetings on-site at the high schools

• Weekly tutoring sessions at the school after school hours

• Educational and cultural enrichment programs and trips

The Summer Session

The student is asked to participate in any or all of the following scheduled activities:

• From Monday to Friday, for five weeks, attend introductory and enrichment courses to prepare for the next school year

• Live in a residential setting (hotel, dormitory) for five weeks (weekends off)

• Participate in evening activities like sports, workshops, crafts, movies, etc.

Sample Summer Activities

Swimming, movies, rollerskating, cookouts, dances, board games, volleyball, basketball, movie rental, softball, field game, workshops, football, hiking, crafts, video games, pizza parties, tournaments, college visits and much, much more...

Academic Classes

• Science:  Botany, Biology, Physics, Anatomy, Chemistry, Astronomy, Zoology

• Mathematics:  Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus

• English:  Grammar I, Grammar II, Poetry, Journalism, Creative Writing

• Literature:  Introduction to Literature, Modern Authors, Ethnic Authors, Appalachian Authors, American Authors

• Foreign Language:  Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish Culture

• Electives:  Watercolor Painting, Ceramics, Keyboarding, Computer Software, ACT Preview, Drama

How to Apply

Interested students may pick up a screening application at the Upward Bound office in Chrisman 119.  If the screening application is approved, you will be given a full application.  For more information, contact Brandon Howard, Academic Coordinator, or Michelle Dykes, Counselor, Godbey Appalachian Center Lower Level.

TRIO Programs Personnel Directory

Useful TRIO Links

Go to SKCTC Gateway