[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2156]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY AND THE TRIO PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. FRED UPTON

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 9, 1999

  Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind the House that 
Saturday, February 27, 1999 is National TRIO Day. That day has been set 
aside to focus the nation's attention on the needs of disadvantaged 
young people and adults aspiring to improve their lives through 
education. We recognize as a nation the importance of supporting our 
talented but needy citizens today if we are to benefit from their 
contributions tomorrow. I am sure the House shares my commitment to 
providing this support.
  Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 generated a series of 
programs to help low-income, first generation, disabled Americans enter 
college and graduate. Initially, there were just three programs--hence 
the TRIO title. Today there are five. These include the Educational 
Opportunity Centers Program, the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate 
Achievement Program, the Student Support Program, the Talent Search 
Program, and the Upward Bound Program.
  TRIO Programs help students overcome class, social, academic, and 
cultural barriers to higher education and provide a variety of services 
critical to academic success, such as advising, career exploration, 
mentoring, and tutoring.
  TRIO Programs make a difference. For instance, students in the Upward 
Bound Program are four times more likely to earn an undergraduate 
degree than students from similar backgrounds who did not participate 
in TRIO. Participants in the TRIO Students Support Program are more 
than twice as likely to remain in college as students from similar 
backgrounds who did not participate in the program.
  Mr. Speaker, an excellent model of a TRIO Program can be found at an 
institution in my home district. At Western Michigan University in 
Kalamazoo, participants in the Student Support Program have a 
remarkable track record of success. Their achievements include the 
following:
  Ninety-five percent of all students who receive program services for 
two consecutive semesters return to school for a third semester.
  More than 75% of undergraduates in the Student Support Program had 
grade point averages at or above 2.5 during the 1997-98 school year.
  More than 98% of Student Support Program students who apply for 
graduation during their junior year graduate.
  Statistics are a useful measure of the Student Support Program's 
success at Western Michigan University. However, stories of students' 
personal accomplishments in the face of adversity also testify to the 
program's impact on individuals lives. Consider, for example, one shy 
and uncertain young woman who entered the Student Support Program three 
years ago as a freshman.
  Unfamiliar with the academic world and undecided about her direction, 
she gradually gained confidence in her own potential and ability. 
Eventually she was inspired to help other students adjust to the 
demands of college life by becoming a Peer Mentor in the program. She 
is now knowledgeable and secure enough to offer others the support she 
once needed herself. Next year she will graduate with a bachelor's 
degree in Social Work.
  Another bright and promising student in the program struggled with a 
learning disability that affected the way he processed information. In 
spite of this, he was determined to earn a degree in business. As he 
battled on through math and accounting, often repeating courses, his 
Peer Mentor provided unwavering support and encouragement. This young 
man overcame countless challenges and, in December 1998, realized his 
dream when he was awarded a bachelor's degree in business.
  Mr. Speaker, thanks to the Student Support Program at Western 
Michigan University, these two students are examples of the thousands 
of students in a position to make their best contributions to our 
society.

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