Access & Opportunity Programs May Spotlight

It has been an exciting year for the Idaho State University Access & Opportunity Programs. Despite the challenges of  establishing new programs and being thrust into a remote world without notice, our primary focus remains the same: getting students to and through postsecondary educational opportunities. Access & Opportunity Programs currently has nine federally funded Department of Education grants, totaling $3.2 million per year in funding to support underserved communities. These programs span across 250+ miles, employ 30 full-time positions, and 30+ student/part-time positions across four campus locations. The Spring semester is winding down and summer is just around the corner, there are always new and exciting events approaching in the Access & Opportunity Programs.

Last July, it was announced that our department received the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). This program offers student support such as scholarships, academic advising, tutoring, and many more services to students who come from Migrant and/or seasonal farm working backgrounds during their freshman year of college, an all inclusive first year experience program. We were able to enroll 13 students for the inaugural Spring 2021 cohort and hosted several workshops including orientation to CAMP services, regional student leadership symposium, mental health awareness, paint and connect workshops, and more. We are excited to see our first cohort finishing up their firstyear! https://isu.edu/camp/ 

Access & Opportunity Programs was notified in August that our TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant was renewed for another five year cycle. This grant has been at ISU since 1968, one of the oldest programs in the country. Each year, SSS serves 250 first generation, limited income college students, and students with disabilities who are enrolled at ISU and pursuing a four-year degree, through their academic career to graduation. We were able to celebrate our 40 TRIO SSS graduates this year with the first in-person event that we have had in over a year. It was wonderful to be able to see our students and celebrate this huge accomplishment! https://www.isu.edu/trio/programs/student-support-services/

The TRIO McNair Scholars Program, which is designed to prepare undergraduate students who are first generation and qualify as limited income for doctoral studies, is gearing up for the Summer Research Institute. McNair Scholars will attend a class taught by Dr. Denise Tambasco, McNair Scholars & SSS Director, and Reinalyn Echon, McNair Scholars & SSS Program Coordinator, Tuesday through Thursday from June 01 through the end of July. The scholars will also work on research projects throughout the summer with their faculty mentor and work to complete their graduate school applications. The TRIO McNair Scholars Program is currently looking for their next cohort of students! For more information, please visit our website: https://www.isu.edu/trio/programs/trio-mcnair-scholars-program/

The TRIO Veterans’ Program is looking forward to getting back out into the community! A huge part of recruitment in the past for the TRIO Veteran’s Program has been tabling at events. The TRIO Veteran’s staff will be attending several events in the community in the upcoming weeks, recruiting qualifying veteran’s who would like to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education.  We serve those who have served/are serving in the National Guard, Reserves, Active duty and have an academic need. This program serves Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Jefferson and Power counties and serves 125 participants per year.  https://www.isu.edu/trio/programs/trio-veterans-program/ 

The TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC), based out of the Magic Valley with locations in Burley and Twin Falls, provides counseling and information on college admissions to first-generation and/or low-income adults who want to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education. In addition, TRIO EOC staff provides assistance in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form as well as other services intended to improve the financial and economic literacy of participants. An important objective of the program is to counsel participants on financial aid options, including basic financial planning skills, and to assist in the application process. TRIO EOC is looking forward to getting back to tabling out in the local communities at upcoming events.  Visit us at https://www.isu.edu/trio/programs/educational-opportunity-center/ 

The TRIO Educational Talent Search Programs (ETS), are designed to provide (first-generation & limited-income) high school students with academic, cultural and social support services - with the intention of transitioning to post secondary education. Program services include academic tutoring, test preparation, study skills, career counseling/exploration, STEM opportunities, college admissions/FAFSA completion, and visiting college campuses. With over 1,500 students at 17 high schools in Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, Power, Minidoka, Twin Falls, Jerome and Cassia County - in South East Idaho and Magic Valley. For more information, or program application please visit www.isu.edu/trio/programs/educational-talent-search/ 

The Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math Science Programs (UB/UBMS), are designed to enhance the skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond high school for youth who are potential first-generation college students and/or from families with limited income who attend nine high schools in Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville, and Power Counties. The UB/UBMS staff have been working to build mentoring relationships, develop skills, and provide academic support through weekly visits to each high school and through their new virtual Saturday Academy. The UB/UBMS staff are now gearing up for their six week summer program that will be a hybrid of virtual classes and visits to the ISU campus, beginning in June. https://www.isu.edu/trio/programs/upward-bound/ 

If you have questions or would like more information on any of our Access & Opportunity Programs, please call our main line at 208-282-3242 or send an email to trio@isu.edu or camp@isu.edu.