Cochise College has been selected to receive a federal grant of more than $1 million to continue offering a TRiO Student Support Services program at the Douglas Campus. The program works to motivate qualified students to continue their education by providing individualized counseling, extracurricular educational activities, and personalized instruction.
Federal TRiO Programs (TRiO) are outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The college first received a TRiO grant in support of its Student Support Services program at the Douglas Campus in 2001. Four staff members and a number of peer tutors currently serve more than 200 first-generation, low-income and disabled students. The $1,213,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Education ensures the program’s continuation for five years.
“The purpose of our TRiO program is to provide opportunities for academic development, to assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate them toward completion of postsecondary education,” said Daniel O’Meara, director of the program. “We look forward to continuing to provide outreach and resources that are essential in motivating our students toward success.”
The Douglas Campus delivers support services that include access to professional tutors in math, science, and language arts; guided tours of the three major universities in Arizona; pre-advisement, academic counseling and personal counseling; and access to other extracurricular educational activities. Participants have been recognized as outstanding community college scholars and members of the All-USA Academic Team sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa honor society.