Northwest TRIO Awards their Annual Grants
Senatobia, MS (04/23/2024) — Northwest Mississippi Community College's TRIO Student Support Services awarded their annual grants to 13 Northwest students who qualified for funds at their annual reception on April 17.
TRIO Student Support Services is committed to help students who come from one of three backgrounds-low income student, first generation college student or student with disabilities-to boost student retention and graduation rates of its participants. TRIO programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Education and are about assisting students in overcoming class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.
"TRIO Student Support Services provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education," said Dr. Laquita Smith-Parker, director for Student Support Services. "The goal of TRIO SSS is to increase the retention and graduation rates of its participants and to help students make the transition from one level of higher education to the next."
At Northwest, Dr. Smith-Parker said that the TRIO staff is phenomenal and dedicated, serving their students to reach their full potential. They engage and converse with students to make sure they feel seen, valued, and supported.
This group of TRIO students is active on campus; they regularly visit the TRIO office to ensure they're on track, are active in organizations across campus, and serve in leadership roles on campus.
Students who were awarded grants at this ceremony were BarBre'Annia Connor of Batesville, La'Niya Connor of Batesville, Xzavier Johnson of Tupelo, Jeffrey Jones of Hernando, Porsha Kennedy of Horn Lake, Alycia McCree of Benton, Timberly Newson of Independence, Tyra Newson of Independence, Samariya Sesson of Senatobia, Aniyah Slake of Oxford, Jeremiah Smith of Olive Branch, Anthony Torrance of Coffeeville, and Lashonia Vaughn of Batesville.
TRIO services are always 100 percent free to students who qualify. If you are or know a student who is interested in TRIO programs, applications are available on the NWCC website and hard copies are available in the Northwest Student Support Services Office.
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Northwest Mississippi Community College TRIO Scholars (front row L-R) La'Niya Connor, Tyra Newson, Lashonia Vaughn, BarBre'Anna Connor, and Samariya Sesson, and (back row L-R) Porsha Kennedy, Anthony Torrance, Jr., Alycia McCree, Aniyah Slate, and Timberly Newson celebrate at their annual reception held on Wednesday, April 17, at the Haraway Center on the Senatobia campus. Photo by Sarah Smith