ISSUED: 25 September 2018
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University’s TRiO Student Support Services and Upward Bound programs received a 4.25 percent increase in funding for the 2018-19 school year from the U.S. Department of Education, which means the two programs can serve more students.
Cynthia Copney, director of TRiO programs, said Upward Bound received almost $12,000 in additional money and will be able to admit three more students, bringing the total to 63. TRiO Student Support Services received about $9,500 more, which will allow seven more students to enter the program, serving a total of 172.
Copney is happy that some students can move from the wait list into the programs.
“I like saying ‘yes’ to a student as opposed to ‘I’m sorry, I must put you on a wait list’ because the students really want the services,” she said.
Upward Bound provides services to first-generation and income eligible high school students to help them gain the academic skills, support, and cultural exposure that will help them graduate from high school and attend college. Shepherd’s Upward Bound program works with students in Berkeley County’s four high schools, Musselman, Martinsburg, Hedgesville, and Spring Mills.
TRiO Student Support Services assists low-income, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities in navigating college so they can successfully complete their education. TRiO offers students a variety of programs such as workshops, tutoring, career counseling, and peer mentoring.
— 30 —
