Trio Draft- kim | Avila University

Trio – SSS & Upward Bound

Trio – SSS & Upward Bound

Our Mission

Trio

TRIO programs are federally funded programs designed to provide educational access and assistance to income-eligible, first-generation, and/or students with a disability. TRIO programs are funded through competitive grant applications under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as TRIO programs because there were three original programs created.

Avila University hosts two TRIO programs which serve income-eligible and first-generation college students (the first in their family to complete a four-year college degree). All services are offered at no cost to participants.

Students enrolled in current TRIO programs reflect the diversity of our nation. More than 1,200 colleges, universities, community colleges, and agencies now offer TRIO programs in America. See the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO website for more information.

The mission of TRIO programs at Avila University is to empower students to advance their achievement in higher education. TRIO strives to increase academic success, college access, and graduation rates by using research-driven strategies to assist individuals in overcoming financial, academic, social, and cultural barriers to higher education.

Student Support Services

Overview

TRIO Student Support Services Overview

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Inspired to Achieve works with first-generation college students, those who come from a modest-income household, or students who have a documented disability throughout their time at Avila University.

SSS provides resources and services students need on their path to college graduation and beyond. We achieve this by taking a holistic approach to working with students. We meet students at their level of need by providing academic advising, advocating for them and teaching them to advocate for themselves. We foster a sense of educational responsibility within each student and celebrate milestones along the way. Students are provided opportunities for growth in every facet of their lives. Overcoming barriers and succeeding in post-secondary education is what Student Support Services is all about.

Benefits of actively participating in TRIO SSS

Increased retention and graduation rates
Set and meet personal and academic goals
A supportive climate for first-generation, low-income students and/or individuals with disabilities
Centralized location (Hodes Center) for services and support
Community building with peers
Guidance from staff members who are motivated and passionate about student success!

SSS participants are more likely to remain enrolled in higher education, earn more college credits and maintain a higher-grade point averages than similar students who did not receive such services.

Benefits

Benefits of actively participating in TRIO SSS

Increased retention and graduation rates
Set and meet personal and academic goals
A supportive climate for first-generation, low-income students and/or individuals with disabilities
Centralized location (Hodes Center) for services and support
Community building with peers
Guidance from staff members who are motivated and passionate about student success!

SSS participants are more likely to remain enrolled in higher education, earn more college credits and maintain a higher-grade point averages than similar students who did not receive such services.

Services

TRIO SSS Services

SSS offers various free services designed to ensure eligible full-time students on the Avila University campus are successful in their academic career. Some of these services include:

Academic Advising – SSS staff members serve as academic advisors to students in the program. The SSS advisor is available to provide academic, financial, career, graduate school, and personal counseling to eligible students. They are here to guide you from your first day on campus through to graduation!

Tutoring – Free one-on-one tutoring for program participants in a wide range of general education and upper-level courses. Professional or peer tutors meet with participants for one-on-one sessions.

Mentoring – The mentor is a staff member or peer who stays in contact with assigned participants and can answer questions and concerns or refer participants to the appropriate resource for help.
Computer Use – The SSS office is open to SSS participants on weekdays from 8 am-5 pm and is furnished with computer stations that offer free printing and a study area.
Grant Aid Scholarships – SSS will offer grant aid funds to active participants. To be eligible to receive these funds, participants must be Pell-eligible and have an unmet financial need.

Select Tuition Free Courses – Courses designed to meet the academic requirements of SSS participants throughout their college career.

Workshops, Cultural and Social Events – Participants in SSS may attend workshops on academic skills, career preparation, financial literacy and self-care. Participants are exposed to Kansas City culture through free off campus events. SSS also offers social events to help students build community on the Avila campus.

Assistance with Financial Aid Process – SSS staff will assist participants with the completion of the renewal of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Career and Graduate/Professional School planning – Assist participants in planning and preparing with post-graduation plans.
Living Learning Community – Active participants are allowed to apply for the SSS Living Learning Community, which allows students to live on the same floor of a designated residence hall on campus. Students are expected to meet certain requirements.

Objectives

TRIO SSS Objectives

Objective 1: Persistence Rate
70% of all participants served by SSS will persist from one academic year to the beginning of the next academic year or will have earned a bachelor’s degree at the grantee institution during the academic year.

Objective 2: Good Academic Standing
94% of all enrolled SSS participants being served will meet the performance level required to stay in good academic standing at the grantee institution.

Objective 3: Graduation Rate
50% of new participants served each year will graduate from the grantee institution with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent within six years.

FAQ

How can I get involved with SSS?
Stop by the TRIO SSS office in the Hodes Center to pick up an application or apply online. Then return paper applications to the office. After submitting the application, a 30-minute intake interview will be scheduled with TRIO SSS staff.

What is a first-generation college student?

This definition can be complicated, it typically means that your parents did not complete a 4-year college or university degree before you turned 18 years of age. Some examples are listed below, however, talk with TRIO SSS staff if you’re not sure.

If one of parents has a 4-year degree but you did not reside or receive support from them prior to turning 18, you are still considered a first-generation college student.

If you have a sibling in college but your parents did not earn a college degree, you are still considered a first-generation college student.

If your parents have an associate degree or trade certificate, you are still considered a first-generation college student.

Why should I become a participant?

SSS provides support, services, and guidance to assist you in achieving your educational goals at Avila University. The program can help you build on your strengths and address your areas of concern. SSS participants receive personalized support and opportunities not available to other students on campus.

When does SSS accept applications?

We accept applications at any time but review most applications before the beginning of each semester.

Do you accept transfer students?

YES!

How much time does it take to participate in the program?

Our students are expected to have frequent contact with the program staff and are expected to take full advantage of program services. Our program services are flexible and can be scheduled on an individual basis. Staff members are available by appointment, phone, or email or you can stop by the office while on campus.

Does it matter what year in school I am?

No. We accept students regardless of the year as long as they meet eligibility, will benefit from the program and there is space in the program.

If accepted into SSS, will I have to apply every year?

No. Once accepted into SSS, you are eligible to participate until graduation.

Does SSS have money for scholarships?

Yes, grant aid is available to help active participants who qualify based on need. Students must be Pell eligible and have unmet need (past due balance or outstanding student loans). You must apply for grant aid each year.

How can I find out about upcoming SSS events?

Upcoming events will be promoted in a variety of places, including:
Emails
SSS Social Media
Calendar
Group Texts

What are SSS office hours?

Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are extended hours which vary each semester and depend on student needs. If you need to schedule an appointment outside of normal office hours, that is perfectly acceptable!

Who do I contact if I have questions?

All staff members work directly with our students, so feel free to contact any one of us at 816.501.2904

Eligibility

Program Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to receive services through SSS, you must meet at least one of the following federal requirements:
First-generation college student (meaning neither parent has a bachelor’s degree)

OR meet the current Federal TRIO Programs income guidelines

You must also meet the following criteria:

Be currently enrolled or have been accepted for full-time study at Avila
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Meet the academic need criteria as established by the SSS Program

NOTE: Meeting first-generation and income guidelines does not guarantee admission into SSS. Prospective participants must also demonstrate the ability to benefit from program services.

Students who have attained a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for the program.

Applications will be selected for program participation in compliance with the provisions of Section 427 of the U.S. Department of Education’s General Education Provisions Act (GEPA). Accordingly, access and participation will not be denied to applicants based on gender, race, national origin, color, disability, or age.

Apply Today!

Classic

The Upward Bound–Classic program works with students from Ruskin and Grandview high schools to supplement their high school experience with academic enrichment services, career exploration, self-development opportunities, cultural exposure, and assistance with the college transition process.

Achieve

The Upward Bound–Achieve program works with students from Northeast and Central high schools to supplement their high school experience with academic enrichment services, career exploration, self-development opportunities, cultural exposure, and assistance with the college transition process.

UPWARD BOUND – CLASSIC

Services

Tutoring/Study Halls: Is offered weekly after school at target schools. Study hall is to help students complete assignments in a quiet and undisturbed environment. We also offer free online tutoring and will provide other tutoring services by request.

Saturday Seminars: Extra academic enrichment opportunities through classes and workshops.

ACT Prep: Individual assistance signing up for the ACT, ACT fee waivers for eligible students, and workshops to prepare students for the ACT.

Campus Tours: Primarily visiting both private and public institutions in the region.

Advising: Individual advising which includes goal setting, academics, post-secondary education, career exploration, and personal development.

Cultural Exposure: New and engaging experiences that students may not normally get to encounter.

Community Service: Opportunities to participate in service projects with community organizations.

Educational Workshops: Develops personal and academic skills through interactive and engaging curriculum.

Post-Secondary Assistance: Individual advising that supports students through the college transition process which includes finding their best college fit, college applications, financial aid, scholarship applications, enrollment forms, etc.

Summer Excellence Institute: 6-week residential program on Avila University’s campus.

Bridge: Graduates from high school have the opportunity to take college courses for college credit (up to six credits) during the summer following graduation, that will transfer to their post-secondary institution FREE OF CHARGE.

Objectives

The following are the six objectives of the Upward Bound-Classic program:

[1] Academic Performance—Grade Point Average (GPA): 64% of participants served during the project year will have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better on a four-point scale at the end of the school year.

[2] Academic Performance on Standardized Test: 43% of UB seniors served during the project year, will have achieved at the proficient level on state assessments in reading/language arts and math.

[3] Secondary School Retention and Graduation: 89% of students will progress to the next grade level, or will have graduated from secondary school with a regular secondary school diploma.

[4] Secondary School Graduation (rigorous secondary school program of study): 83% of all current and prior year UB participants, who at the time of entrance into the project had an expected high school graduation date in the school year, will complete a rigorous secondary school program of study and graduate in that school year with a regular secondary school diploma.

[5] Postsecondary Enrollment: 47% of all current and prior UB participants, who at the time of entrance into the project had an expected high school graduation date in the school year, will enroll in a program of postsecondary education by the fall term immediately following high school graduation or will have received a notification, by the fall term immediately following high school, from an institution of higher education, of acceptance but deferred enrollment until the next academic semester (e.g. spring semester).

[6] Postsecondary Completion: 40% of participants who enrolled in a program of postsecondary education, by the fall term immediately following high school graduation or by the next academic term (e.g., spring term) as a result of acceptance by deferred enrollment, will attain either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree within six years following graduation from high school.

Application Process

Upward Bound is designed to assist youth from first-generation and/or low-income families, who exhibit academic potential in graduation from high school, and have a desire to pursue and obtain a post-secondary education.

The application process is competitive and students must demonstrate a need for the program. Only students that have a desire for post-secondary education will be admitted.

Application Requirements

The student and parent(s) must complete an Upward Bound application in its entirety
The parent(s) must provide a signed statement for verification of family income to determine student’s eligibility for the program

The application must be completed and returned with the accompanying forms and/or letters to the Upward Bound Program office with all supporting documentation before a student will be considered for an interview.

Students can fill out the online application here: https://botform.compansol.com/223394351132853

If you have any questions about the application or need assistance, please contact our office at 816.501.0441.

Following the completion of this application, if you meet eligibility requirements, both the student and the parent(s) will be scheduled for an interview with the Upward Bound staff. This is the final step of the process before your admissions decision will be made.

The Upward Bound-Classic program at Avila University is funded to serve 74 students between Ruskin High School and Grandview High School.

Completing an application does not guarantee the student an interview or a spot in the program.

FAQ

Students who attend or will attend Grandview High School or Ruskin High School
Students enrolled in the 9^th-12^th grade (8^th graders are encouraged to apply so they can start immediately in 9^th grade)
Students who are first-generation college-bound students (neither parent/guardian has earned a bachelor’s degree)
Students who meet the U.S. Department of Education income guidelines
Students who are U.S. citizens or intend to gain citizenship status

Call the UB office at 816.501.2438 or email upwardbound@avila.edu if you have any questions or concerns regarding your eligibility.

I submitted my application but haven’t been contacted for an interview. Now what?

Upward Bound admits approximately 20 new students a year but receives over 40 applications a year. Check your junk/spam email inboxes to make sure you haven’t received communication. If you have not, please call the office at 816.501.0441 to check the status of your application. Incomplete applications could result in delayed interviews.

How often do you admit new students to the Upward Bound program?

Students are admitted throughout the academic year depending on the current number of students being served. There is no set deadline or admittance date. Applications are accepted and reviewed year-round.

Do I have to reapply each year?

No. Once you are in the program, you are in it for the duration of your high school career.

I just want to participate in the summer program, can I?

No, Upward Bound is a full year commitment, including the academic year. The summer program is a great experience, but students who take full advantage of our program year-round are the ones who not only succeed in high school, but college as well.

I’m involved in a lot of activities, can I still do Upward Bound?

Yes! Being involved is great for students! However, make sure you can also give time and effort to Upward Bound. Staff will work with each student but the student must be willing and want to work with the Upward Bound project. This is a valid concern to bring up during the interview so that staff can clarify commitment and expectations.

Do you provide transportation?

Students/Parents must find their own transportation to and from Avila University’s campus for events. Upward Bound provides transportation to off-campus events/activities, but students must find their own ride to/from Avila’s campus. Staff will not pick up students from their home and bring them to UB activities nor will they take students home.

How much does it cost to be in Upward Bound?

NOTHING. Upward Bound is funded through a federal grant. All services are provided FREE OF CHARGE.

I don’t want to go to college, can I still join the program?

Upward Bound is a college-access program for college-bound students. This is NOT a program for students who do not want to attend college.

Where can I find an application?

Applications can be accessed through the following link: https://botform.compansol.com/223394351132853

If you have trouble accessing the link, you can reach out to Terren Jones at Terren.Jones@avila.edu to receive a link to our online application.

Why are parents/guardians required to submit financial information?

We require a signed statement of your latest financial information to verify your student’s eligibility to join upward Bound. We will not share or distribute your personal information. We keep all documents in the strictest confidentiality.

Alumni

We are proud of the successes and achievements of all our UB alumni. Whether you were a former student, director, teacher, or summer staffer, please let us know what you are up to. We can’t wait to hear about all the great things you’ve been doing! You can also follow us on Facebook [Avila Upward Bound].

Update Contact Information: Graduated? Moved? Started a new job? Keep us updated with your current info so that we can easily track and communicate with our UB alumni. You can send updates to upwardbound@avila.edu.

Upward Bound Statement of Confidentiality: The Department of Education requires that the following statement be read by all Upward Bound Alumni: “The personal information you give to Upward Bound is sent to the federal government (Department of Education). The information is protected by the Privacy Act. No one may see the information unless he/she works with or for the Upward Bound program, or is specifically authorized to see the information. The information is necessary to determine the effectiveness of the program and helps the government to measure your success. The Department of Education has the authority to gather information to help make Upward Bound a better program (20 USC 1231a).”

Make a Donation: Now YOU can give back to Upward Bound! Upward Bound is a grant-funded educational opportunity program that helps low-income, first-generation high school students from surrounding areas achieve their dreams of going on to college. Former Upward Bound students and their families now have the opportunity to further their legacy with the program providing a donation to our Upward Bound Scholarship Fund. Any donations to the program go directly toward helping our students fund their post-secondary education. The Upward Bound scholarship fund specifically assists students with dual credit classes and AP tests.

If you would like to make a donation, please email our office at upwardbound@avila.edu. You may also mail your check to the following address and a receipt will be mailed/emailed to you immediately. Please put UB SCHOLARSHIP in the memo line.

Avila University Upward Bound

11901 Wornall Road

Kansas City, MO 64145

Not able to make a monetary donation, but want to donate time? Email us at upwardbound@avila.edu and let us know! Our students love hearing from our alumni whether that is through an alumni panel, workshop, or mentorship. We would love to work with you!

Apply Today!

UPWARD BOUND – ACHIEVE