Ozarka College

Ozarka's Federal TRIO Program Awarded Funding For Another Five Years

Published on August 23, 2010

On August 6, Ozarka College received notification that the current TRiO Student Support Services federal grant was funded for an additional five years. Through this federally funded grant program, Ozarka College offers services for many of its students. TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) provides academic, financial and personal support to eligible students at Ozarka College to assist them with their educational endeavors.

The services offered by Ozarka's SSS program include: academic advising; financial or supportive counseling referrals; information on chosen educational major and career choices; aptitude and interest inventories; transfer scholarship information; tours of four-year colleges and universities; help with admissions, financial aid and faculty advisors at other institutions; individual and group peer tutoring; technology training; informational workshops; and cultural events and trips.

Eligibility for SSS is established through the U.S. Department of Education. Students applying for the program must meet one of the following qualifications: meet low income guidelines, be a first generation college student, or be an individual with a documented disability. Program participants must also be pursing an associate's degree or working toward eventual four-year degree and be a U.S. citizen or meet residency requirements.

Ozarka College currently has five staff members in the SSS Department. Deltha Shell is the Program Director, Karin Brown is the Academic Services Coordinator, Ronda McLelland is Tutoring Coordinator, and Shelia Titus is the Administrative Assistant. Paige Holloway has been serving as the Transfer Specialist, but recently took another position at the College.

The SSS department has several activities planned for this semester including new student seminar, financial literacy programming, several transfer trips, and an upcoming cultural event.

Currently, SSS is processing new applicants. Any Ozarka College student who meets the eligibility requirements is encouraged to apply. For more information call TRiO SSS at 870-368-2036 or 870-368-2034.

Ozarka College's TRiO Student Support Services program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Federal TRiO Programs. The 2008-2009 funded award is $287,328. All activities and services offered to the students in SSS are made possible through these grant funds. Announcement made in accordance with Public Law 105-78 Sec. 508.