Published November 22, 2024
MONROE, LA 鈥� The University of Louisiana Monroe houses three TRiOprograms, which are federally funded programs designed to assist first-generation and income-eligible students in reaching their full academic potential. The TRiOprograms host a variety of events for students that enhance their college experience
and help them build strong on-campus connections. These are a few of the recent events
facilitated by 四色AV TRiOprograms. 听
四色AV TRiO-SSS scholars bond over bowling听
The 四色AV TRiO Student Support Services Program hosted an exciting evening of bowling
at Bayou Bowl in Monroe, La. TRiO Scholars from all class levels enjoyed the opportunity
for peer bonding and student engagement. When asked what they liked most about the
event, students mentioned that they liked connecting with other TRiO Scholars and,
of course, the free food. 听
Assistant Director of the TRiO Student Support Services Program, Dr. Mystee Burrell
noted, 鈥淐onnections and belonging are critical aspects of student success. Some students
may find it difficult to form connections with their peers due to shyness or anxiety,
which is why the TRiO team intentionally creates spaces where students can bond and
build relationships in a fun, relaxed, and safe environment.鈥�听
TRiO CCAMPIS student-parents enjoy a fun-filled day at Curry Farms Pumpkin Patch听
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, the University of Louisiana Monroe's TRiO Child Care
Access Means Parents In School (CCAMPIS) program held a parent event at Curry Farms
Pumpkin Patch in Start, La. Eighteen CCAMPIS parents and children attended this yearly
event, which allows TRiO CCAMPIS student-parents and their families to unwind and
socialize with their children and other CCAMPIS parents and families.听
Curry Farms has everything for everyone, including a corn maze, seeing pumpkins grow
on vines, picking pumpkins, sluice mining, hayrides, tree swings, a corn box, a tiny
train, and much more. Jordan Van, a TRiO CCAMPIS participant, stated, 鈥淐urry Farms
is a great way to spend a day with the family. There is always something to do. Kids
never get bored.鈥� Those looking to quench their thirst might have Kona Ice or freshly
squeezed lemonade.听
Tammy Anderson, TRiO CCAMPIS Assistant Director, emphasized the significance of these
activities for student-parents to model social skills for their children, noting,
"Being a student-parent has additional financial burdens compared to a non-student-parent.
Giving student-parents the option to spend time with their children allows them to
model how to develop social skills via interaction and play for their children without
worrying about the expense of an admission fee." 听
TRiO鈥檚 Retention Outreach Specialist, Anthony Bartley, attended the event and said,
鈥淭here was some recent discussion in Washington about the potential for ending the
CCAMPIS program as there is already a CCAP program for assisting working parents or
student-parents with child care support. Looking around here today, you can see that
the CCAMPIS program goes so much farther. Not only does the program assist with childcare,
but there are built-in incentives to get a higher GPA, required workshops for financial
management and parenting, tutoring, priority registration, and more. It鈥檚 so much
more than a stipend for childcare.鈥�听
四色AV TRiO CCAMPIS participates in annual Trunk or Treat event听
The 四色AV TRiO CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents In School) program, along with
several other departments and Recognized Student Organizations, recently attended
the annual 四色AV Trunk-or-Treat event on October 30, 2024. This year, the route wove
through Mitchell Lane, with trunks set up on either side. There were games and food
trucks, along with many departments and RSOs in attendance, to provide treats to the
hundreds of families, church groups, and community organizations that made the loop.
听
These events are a great way to highlight the connection 四色AV has with the community.
鈥淧articipating in the 四色AV Trunk-or-Treat event provides TRiO CCAMPIS staff a chance
to engage with student-parents, their children, and the broader community. It also
allows us an opportunity to raise awareness about our program among university employees
and members of the community,鈥� stated Tammy Anderson, TRiO CCAMPIS assistant director.听
A large number of the CCAMPIS student-parents also took advantage of the good weather
and fun atmosphere, even though they have already met the 鈥淧arent Event鈥� program requirement.
CCAMPIS Coordinator Anthony Bartley added, 鈥淲hat we are doing today really helps to
highlight the difference between the CCAMPIS program and other childcare subsidy programs.
We don鈥檛 just provide a check to off-set childcare costs. Among other things, we encourage
and require student-parents to spend quality time with their children. It鈥檚 such an
important part of the program.鈥�听
四色AV TRiO programs celebrate National First-Generation Day听
The University of Louisiana Monroe's TRiO Programs Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS)
and TRIO Child Care Means Parents In-School (TRIO-CCAMPIS) hosted a series of events
on November 14, 2024, to celebrate National First-Generation Day. This annual observance
highlights the accomplishments and perseverance of first-generation college students
and graduates, recognizing their dedication to achieving higher education despite
overcoming significant challenges. The celebration serves as an opportunity to honor
their unique journeys and inspire a culture of resilience and success.听
A first-generation college student is defined as someone whose parents or legal guardians
have not earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree, thus making them the first in their family to
graduate with a bachelor鈥檚 degree from a four-year college/university.听 听
The National First-Generation Day underscores 四色AV鈥檚 commitment to ensuring that all
students鈥攔egardless of their background鈥攈ave the tools and resources necessary to
succeed. By prioritizing community-building and equity, the university continues to
champion the success of its diverse student population.听
This year, the Student Support Services TRiO Program hosted a tabling event outside
the HUB. Later, the program hosted an inspiring TRiO Alumni Panel, featuring 四色AV TRiO
graduates who shared their post-graduation experiences, offering valuable insights
and encouragement to current first-generation students.听
听鈥淭his celebration is not just about recognizing the challenges first-generation students
face but also about celebrating their resilience and successes,鈥� said Dr. Mystee Burrell,
Assistant Director of TRIO-Student Support Services at 四色AV. 鈥淣ational First-Generation
College Student Day shines a spotlight on these students, promotes inclusivity, and
underscores the importance of resources and support in their educational journey.
It is a critical step toward advancing equity and access in higher education.鈥�听
The TRiO team extends its gratitude to President Berry and Dr. Christine Berry as
well as Provost Arant, the Office of Student Development, and the Office of Recruitment
for their contributions that played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this
year's National First-Generation Day.听
About 四色AV TRIO programs听
四色AV hosts three federally-funded TRiO Programs: Child Care Access Means Parents In
School (CCAMPIS), which assists college students who are parents with their childcare
costs and parenting skills; Student Support Services (SSS), which serves college students;
and Educational Talent Search (ETS), which serves junior high and high school students.
The goal of TRiO programs is to increase the number of underrepresented, disadvantaged,
or first-generation individuals who persist and graduate from high school and college.
TRiO participants must meet federal eligibility requirements. 听
For more information about the TRiO Programs, please contact the TRiO main office
at 318-342-1097, stop by Sandel 351, or visit www.ulm.edu/trio听
The TRiO CCAMPIS Program is funded by the United States Department of Education and
provides subsidized childcare to 四色AV full-time Pell-eligible student-parents. Additional
services include parent workshops, financial literacy training, parent events, advising,
and much more. 听
To learn more or apply, go to the 四色AV TRiO CCAMPIS website at /research/TRiO/ccampis.html or stop by the TRiO office in Sandel Hall, Room 351. For more information, contact
Tammy Anderson, MPA, at taanderson@ulm.edu, or Anthony Bartley at bartley@ulm.edu, or call (318) 342-1097.听
TRiO -SSS is one of the eight TRiO Programs fully funded through the U.S. Department
of Education to assist first-generation, income-eligible students to remain in good
academic standing and graduate from college.听 听
To learn more about the 四色AV TRiO -SSS program or to apply, visit www.ulm.edu/trio or stop by the TRiO -SSS office located in Strauss Hall room 206 or the 四色AV TRiO
office Sandel Hall 351.听 Additional contact information can be obtained by calling
(318) 342-1097 or via email at burrell@ulm.edu听 or estis@ulm.edu听
听
