Wavelength 2010_08_26

California State University Channel Islands (CI) has been selected to receive a 1.1 million dollar, five-year Federal TRIO Student Support Services grant. This year's federal process was especially competitive given the overall economic climate in higher education, increased pursuit of federal grant dollars, and minimal federal funding increases for TRIO programs. The program is designed to provide the essential services required to alleviate the educational barriers that preclude many low-income, first generation college students from successfully completing post-secondary education. SSS at CI will serve 160 eligible students for the 2010-2015 funding cycle. For the past four years, CI has operated a highly successful Educational Talent Search Program (ETS) that has increased the retention and graduation rates of 600 first-generation, low-income students in the community and has improved the rate at which they enroll in colleges and universities SSS will provide its participants with numerous services which include: a comprehensive academic year program; a structured first-year experience that includes a six-day summer bridge component; and proper monitoring of student progress and successes. Overall, the SSS will provide the services needed to meet the key objectives of improving good academic standing, persistence and graduation rates. The SSS at CI will continue to lead the way for low-income, firstgeneration students on campus.