Source: Kathleen Greene, 785-532-5642, kgreene@k-state.edu
Website: http://www.k-state.edu/ess/

Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010

FEDERAL GRANT KEEPS COLLEGE SUCCESS PROGRAMS FOR FIRST-GENERATION, LOW-INCOME STUDENTS IN PLACE

MANHATTAN -- Key services that help low-income and first-generation college students at Kansas State University are receiving continued federal funding.

Educational Supportive Services at K-State's Manhattan campus and Student Support Services at K-State Salina have both received five-year grants from the U.S. Department of Education, according to Kathleen Greene, principal investigator of both grants. Greene is director of educational and personal development programs at K-State.

Funding begins Sept. 1, with the Manhattan campus receiving $297,808 the first year, and the Salina campus, $229,258.

Educational Supportive Services and Student Support Services are among the federal TRIO programs at K-State and K-State Salina that help students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"At Educational Supportive Services and Student Support Services our goal is to help first-generation, low-income and disabled K-State students earn their undergraduate degrees," Greene said. "We provide services to help students improve class performance and find the necessary resources -- academic, financial, career and more -- on campus and in the community so that they graduate and achieve their life goals."

Educational Supportive Services, which has received Department of Education funding since 1973, serves 300 students on the Manhattan campus, Greene said. Student Support Services, which has received federal funding since 2001, serves 160 students on the Salina campus.

Services on both campuses include student tutors for many classes; peer ambassadors who provide outreach and support; professional staff assistance with financial, personal and academic concerns; learning skills specialists who help with writing and math skills; a study skills course each semester to prepare students for college-level academic work; academic enrichment classes and academic skills workshops to help students improve their thinking, writing and leadership skills; and more.

Other TRIO programs offered by K-State include Upward Bound, which prepares young people and adults for higher education; and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement, which encourages low-income and minority undergraduates to consider careers in college teaching as well as prepare for doctoral study.