Virginia Peninsula Community College has been awarded a $1,430,545 grant from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) for its TRiO Student Support Services program. The federal grant spans five years, with VPCC receiving $286,109 starting in September.
The new funding lets the College continue providing wide-ranging academic and personal support to 160 eligible students each year, the maximum allowed by the grant. The federal program serves students enrolled in transfer programs who are either first-generation, income-eligible as defined by DOE or have a documented disability.
Sonja Vega, TRiO director at VPCC, called the new grant a huge win, given concerns about potential budget cuts to TRiO programs in recent years.
“We were definitely sitting on edge waiting to hear (about the grant proposal’s outcome). So, this was a relief, especially starting at the beginning of the school year,” said Vega.
“It was a relief, not only for us but we were concerned about what would happen with our students that we serve. The ones (who) are already in the program are used to receiving services from us, and then new students coming in. So, we’re very excited to continue our services at the College,” she added.
The grant will support TRiO services, including an intensive summer orientation for freshmen called JumpStart, academic advising, mentoring, tutoring, career exploration and personal counseling. Leadership development, financial literacy workshops (covering student loans, scholarships, credit, and savings), college transfer preparation and academic enrichment experiences will also continue under the new grant.
College tours are also a big part of TRiO offerings, highlighting transfer options for students. Vega said recent tours included Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University, George Mason University, Virginia State University and Virginia Wesleyan.
The grant was a competitive process as numerous colleges and universities nationwide sought funding, she noted. It required a 65-page proposal, performance data and clear plans for overcoming barriers to student success. Vega attributes earning the award to TRiO’s steady record of meeting its federally mandated Annual Performance Report (APR) goals at the College.
“There’s an opportunity to get competitive prior experience points, and that’s if you’ve done well over the years. We have to submit an APR every year. And if you meet your objectives, then you get additional points when you write the grant. So, that helps you secure (funding) the next time … Basically, it is bonus points,” she explained, noting slightly more than requested was awarded, which shows confidence in the program’s impact at VPCC.
The program’s impact at the College is also evident in its committed staff, many of whom were TRiO students, Vega emphasized.
“It takes a special kind of individual to provide these services,” she added, pointing out building trust, helping students find their voice and enabling them to advocate for themselves requires strong dedication. “Our staff is just outstanding, and they go the extra mile to make sure our students feel like they belong.”
Thanking VPCC leaders, faculty, and staff for their support, Vega said she is especially grateful for her team. They include Counselor Natasha Woods, Project Coordinator Sonia Burford (based at the Historic Triangle Campus in Williamsburg) and Office Manager Jannette Latorre. The team’s work-study student, Rebeca Gomez-Borrego, is a TRiO participant.
Breathing easier now that funding is secured, the team is eager to focus on what they do best. That’s helping its students change their lives through higher education.
“TRiO works! It’s a proven program for retention and student success. Our students go on to do great things,” said Vega, citing staff member Woods, who started as a student, became a work study, then the office manager, and now she’s a counselor, as an example.
“It’s always great when your students believe in what you’re doing, so much so that they come back to provide the same services they received for others who are coming behind them,” she added.
The TRiO program was implemented at VPCC in 2005. It has since equipped more than 3,000 students with the tools, confidence and community necessary for their success.
Visit www.vpcc.edu to learn more about the TRiO Student Support Services program at VPCC and other academic and workforce development offerings.