TRIO Community Outreach Programs receive $6 million plus in grants

Southern University, Shreveport announced in August the receipt of six grants totaling $6,153,176.00 for TRIO Community Outreach Programs housed within the Division of Student Affairs.

Grants were awarded to Upward Bound North and Upward Bound South for 2007-2011 in the amount of $2,060,000.00, while funding for new TRIO Upward Bound Programs received $2,000,000.00. These new programs are Upward Bound Sabine and Upward Bound Desoto- Red River and will operate in those parishes.

Continuation funding was also received for Educational Opportunity Centers and Educational Talent Search for 2007-2011 in the amount of $906,400.00 and $1,186,776.00 respectively.

TRIO, an educational opportunity for low-income and disabled Americans was established by Congress to help them enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life. TRIO provides academic support through instruction, tutoring, counseling, test taking skills and strategies, cultural and enrichment activities, college survival skills, and career exploration to participants in middle school, high school, and adults 19 years of age and beyond.

While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.

Southern University Shreveport has successfully served as a grantee institution for TRIO Programs since the early 1970s. The combined programs are currently providing services to 1,915 participants.