$5.9 Million to Support First-Generation College Students!

November 11, 2022

As First-Generation College Week concludes, join me in celebrating a milestone for Educational Opportunity Programs. In 2022, our TRIO programs were awarded $5.9 million in federal funding to support first-generation, low-income and underrepresented students! These awards will provide strategic support for the next five years:

Upward Bound
Prepares high school students for college admission. The goal of the program is to increase the rate at which students complete high school and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education. Communities impacted include Hammond, East Chicago and Gary. PI – Ronnell Dubose (rdubose@pnw.edu)

Upward Bound Math & Science
Designed to strengthen the math and science skills of students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession. Communities impacted include Hammond and Gary. This is a NEW grant and the only award in the state of Indiana. PI – Ronnell Dubose (rdubose@pnw.edu)

Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program
Prepares students for doctoral studies through involvement in research, faculty mentorship and other scholarly activities. The goal is to increase the attainment of Ph.D. degrees by students who are underrepresented in college. McNair scholars are PNW students. PI – Maya Blackwell (maya.blackwell@pnw.edu)

There are six federally funded TRIO programs on campus. The others include Student Support Services and (2) Educational Talent Search (Hammond & Westville). TRIO & Educational Opportunity Programs serve 2,000 students annually. To learn more about all Educational Opportunity Programs, including the 21st Century Collegiate Scholars Program, visit www.pnw.edu/eop. If you’re interested in collaboration, feel free to reach out to me at rodrigce@pnw.edu.

Thank you,

Catalina Rodriguez

Catalina Rodriguez
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Educational Opportunity Programs
Director, TRIO Student Support Services