Meghann Anderson
Staff writer
Bill Wells, Mayor of Murray signed a proclamation announcing Feb. 22 as TRiO day.
Wells encourages the citizens to join in celebrating the success of the students enrolled in these programs, along with the staff.
The University is among 26 Kentucky colleges, universities and agencies that sponsor 65 TriO programs in the Commonwealth.
The federal TRiO programs began with Upward Bound, which stemmed from the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Along with Upward Bound, there are 7 other programs that are a part of the TRiO programs.
The University contains three other TRiO programs in partnership with Upward Bound; the programs are, Adventures in Math and Science (AIMS), Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement, and Student Support Services.
Jennifer Caldwell, Director of Upward Bound, said the McNair achievement helps students finish undergraduate and graduate studies and helps them enroll and complete advance degrees.
Upward Bound is a TRiO program funded by the United States Department of Education and is in association with the department of Student Affairs.
Student Support Services is a sister program to Upward Bound and works with low income students or those with disabilities.
The TRiO Day proclamation is signed once a year and it held on the last Friday in February.
The recognition helps showcase the groups programs and bring people to campus.
Caldwell said the students who attend Upward Bound Saturdays are shown the campus, attend planned meetings, experience workshops and listen to presentations from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
She said Upward Bound has to write a grant every five years to qualify for federal funding. The program will find out in May if they will receive funds for their June 1 start date.
“I love what the program does for the kids,” Caldwell said. “I see them enroll and graduate from college. You get to know them for eight years, and it’s an amazing experience for them.”