Student Support Services A Federal TRIO Program Purdue University January 21, 2011

What is TRiO? The TRiO programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address the serious social and cultural barriers to education in America. (Previously only college financing had been on policymakers' radar.) TRiO began as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. The Educational Opportunity Act of 1964 established an experimental program known as Upward Bound. Then, in 1965, the Higher Education Act created Talent Search. Finally, another program, Special Services for Disadvantaged Students (later known as Student Support Services), was launched in Educational Opportunity Centers were added in 1972, Training Program for Federal TRIO programs in 1976, the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program in 1986 and Upward Bound Math/Science in 1990.

Who Enrolls in College? Percent of Dependent 18- to 24-Year Olds Who Enrolled in or Attended College. Source: Pell Institute

Who Graduates from College? Estimated Bachelor’s Degree Attainment by Age 24 Source: Pell Institute

The mission of the HORIZONS Student Support Program is to retain and graduate its participants at the highest possible rate with the highest possible grade point average. HORIZONS will achieve these goals by providing students with a comprehensive set of programs which will emphasize academic excellence, cultural awareness and becoming a life long learner. HORIZONS’ Mission HORIZONS will create a community of first-generation and income- eligible students that will be a coherent force on the campus of Purdue University. This community will promote academic achievement and cultural diversity that will extend beyond the boundaries of the campus. This community will champion academic success by the philosophy of the student as a whole person, intellectually, culturally, and emotionally. HORIZONS’ Vision

Who Are HORIZONS’ Students? Snap Shot of 368 HORIZONS Students

Who Are HORIZONS’ Students?

Size of Family Unit 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Outlying Jurisdictions AlaskaHawaii 1$16,245$20,295$18,690 2$21,855$27,315$25,140 3$27,465$34,335$31,590 4$33,075$41,355$38,040 5$38,685$48,375$44,490 6$44,295$55,395$50,940 7$49,905$62,415$57,390 8$55,515$69,435$63,840 Federal Low-Income Guidelines The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount. Source: U.S. Department of Education

Perceived Needs of Beginning HORIZONS’ Students Lack of Social and Cultural Capital Lack of Educational Opportunities Money and Property Wealth Specific Knowledge of Major/Career Options Goal Setting Self-Awareness Expectations Preparation

HORIZONS’ Programs Programs are grouped under the three corners of TRiO; Tutoring Mentoring Counseling All of HORIZONS’ 20+ programs address one or more of the needs on the previous slide.

GS 199 “Strategies for a Successful First Year” All beginning HORIZONS’ students are required to participate 3-credit hour study skills/career/student development course E mphasizes self-evaluation and self-monitoring exercises and activities. GS 199 is divided into three components: Basic College Skills Career Development Lab. Supplemental Instruction in Math. GS 199 Curriculum Focuses on: Managing time, emphasizing time allotted to academics. Identifying priorities and goal setting. Identifying a major/career and negotiating changes. Managing and understanding personal finances.

Tutoring Certified by the College Reading and Learning Association. Tutor Training and Evaluation. Tutor Certification. Tutoring in Key Areas of Math, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. 90% One-On-One Tutoring, 10% Small and Large Group. On Average 120 Students Tutored by 30 Tutors. Annual Tutor Budget of $15,000. Goal of >80% of those tutored a minimum of six hours earn at least a “C” in the tutored Course.

Mentoring Each Beginning Freshman is Paired With a Faculty Mentor From the Student’s College. Over 200 Volunteer Faculty in All Colleges Act as Faculty Mentors. Three Structured Interviews Spread over the First Semester. Interviews or Narratives are Handed in for Grading. End of Semester Luncheon. Faculty Mentoring Peer Mentoring Students Selected/Volunteer to Become Peer Mentors Each Fall Semester. Students commit to a two semester, six credit hour curriculum. Peer mentors are then used in GS 199 and assigned 3-4 freshmen. Specific activities are planned and assessed.

Career Development After years of experience Career Development is viewed as critical to success in College. Working with the Educational Psychology Department at Purdue a comprehensive Career Development Program was designed. Program begins with self-awareness and continues through career exploration and professionalization. The MBTI and Discover are administered. All beginning freshmen participate through the GS 199 Lab. Program continues into second semester and beyond through one-on-one counseling. Goal is to chose a major/career by the end of the freshmen year.

Service Learning A Service Learning course to enhance and continue peer mentoring and/or career development is available. Up to 15 students per semester are placed with local agencies. Highly structured utilizing Interviews, Evaluation, Journaling, Action Project, and Reflection Paper.

Financial Aid Understanding Financial Aid is crucial for Low-Income Students. HORIZONS has direct access to student aid financial records. Staff member dedicated to financial aid counseling. Help with FAFSA forms. Financial Aid and Financial management provided through GS 199. Awarded up to $100,000 in Grant Aid.

Additional Programs Proactive Counseling. Academic Advising. Personal Counseling. Academic Coaching. Ability to Individualize Services.

Source: Purdue University

How Has HORIZONS Achieved These Successes?  31 Years of Experience Informed by Theory and Practice.  A Dedicated and Highly Trained Staff.  Student Service Programs Based on the TRiO Model of Mentoring, Tutoring and Counseling.  Personal Attention and a Lot of Hard Work.