Colby Community College Student Support Services celebrated National TRIO Day on Feb. 26 in the CCC cafeteria to highlight how federal TRIO programs impact student success through expanding educational opportunities.

Established under the Higher Education Act of 1965, TRIO programs create a comprehensive educational pipeline that supports students from middle school through post-baccalaureate study. The programs increase access to college and degree completion for low-income and first-generation students, as well as individuals with disabilities.

Colby Community College first received its Student Support Services grant in 1990 and has successfully renewed it every five years since. During that time, 7,175 students have benefited from program support.

Funded on a five-year cycle, Student Support Services provides academic tutoring, personal counseling, financial aid guidance, and mentoring. The program helps students overcome social and cultural barriers, persist to graduation, and successfully transfer to four-year institutions.

The program is led by Director Lisa Stithem, with support from Educational Program Specialist Samantha Ohnoutka and Transfer and Advising Specialist Jade Inlow. On Feb. 26, they handed out information and prizes to students while they came to the cafeteria for lunch.

For more information on Student Support Services, contact the office at (785) 460-5510 or studentsupportservices@colbycc.edu.