How Do Poor Kids Succeed in College?
The Role and Impact of Federal Trio Programs
A Forum — June 6, 1997
Today's forum brought together a panel of directors and participants from the federal TRIO program. This forum included Arnold Mitchem, a former TRIO director and currently Director of the National Council of Educational Opportunity Associations; Teresa Tassotti, a TRIO Talent Search Director at Pennsylvania State University; Gwendolynne Moore, a TRIO graduate and now President Pro Tem of the Wisconsin State Senate, and current TRIO participant Kizzy Frey, a freshman at Pennsylvania State University.
Introduction to Trio
Participants began with a brief overview of TRIO. Since its inception in 1965, TRIO has helped low-income first generation students get to and graduate from college. It meets this mission through five programs--three pre-college and two during and after college. TRIO programs include Talent Search, designed to generate interest in and to prepare students for college; Upward Bound, an intensive summer program that helps young people and adults prepare for higher education; Student Support Services, which provides support for college students in a variety of ways including offering, tutoring, counseling and instruction; Educational Opportunity Centers, located through out the country, which help under-employed adults select a college; and the Robert McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement programs, which encourages low-income undergraduates to consider careers in college teaching as well as doctoral study.
Participants Recount Their Trio Experiences
Gwendolynne Moore explained that as a child, she assumed she would go to college, but realized as she grew older her family's dire economic situation would make this goal very difficult to attain. For example, when it came time to register for the SAT exams, she did not have the six-dollar registration fee. As a high school student, Moore heard about the TRIO program at Marquette, run at the time by Mitchem, but did not enroll immediately. Mitchem, remained persistent, and encouraged Moore to join TRIO and enter Marquette University. According to Moore, TRIO supported her through her academic struggles and to eventually achieve her goal.
Kizzy Frey also came from a very poor neighborhood and school, and in Kizzy's words, "what you would consider to be a dysfunctional family." In seventh grade she was selected to join the TRIO Talent Search program. She was one of ten students chosen, from a pool of 60 eligible students in her school."It was totally the luck of the draw,"she remembered. Her poor study skills improved through participation in daily after-school homework sessions with her tutor. "I improved my study skills greatly, and since then I have made the honor role every semester except for two." As part of the Talent Search program she attended financial aid workshops as well as college tours. Through this experience, Frey obtained the skills and support necessary to enroll at Pennsylvania State University.
The Problem of Resources and Trio's Attempt to Help
The discussion then shifted to the problem of obtaining resources for low-income youth who want to get a college education. Both Moore and Frey described the difficulty of coming from families who knew little about the college application process, having never attended college themselves. They also lamented the limited college advice available from high school guidance counselors. Mitchem and Tassotti also discussed the role of guidance, stating that helping students confront social problems and school retention has taken increasing precedence over college advising. One observer noted that while attempts to inform counselors about career information are increasing, many counselors still are ignorant on how to guide students toward college.
Tassotti stated that programs like Talent Search succeed because they work inside of schools. This allows Talent Search staff to develop "working relationships" with secondary school staff to offer these services to the students. She noted that Talent Search is getting more involved in middle school to try and help kids who become misdirected before they even reach high school.
The Funding of Trio
The panelists then took questions on the federal TRIO structure. Mitchem explained that under the Higher Education Act of 1965, the U.S. Department of Education awards TRIO grants to institutions of higher learning and community-based organizations across the country. Peer review groups rank applicants and recommend grant sizes. Four year grants are then awarded by ranking, until federal funding runs out.
The Value and Legacy of Trio
Mitchem attributes TRIO's long history to the fact it is a need-based program. He further spoke of the importance of keeping a program like TRIO alive: "It is a symbol of the democracy and opportunity we believe in." Both Moore and Frey agreed, noting that TRIO had made the difference in getting them into college and being successful. Mitchem also noted that efforts must be made to engage the eleven million eligible youth who are not enrolled in a TRIO program.