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What is TRIO?
TRiO is Educational Opportunity for Low-Income,
First Generation and Disabled Americans. ODSA is the state organization of TRiO
professionals.
Our nation has asserted a commitment to providing educational opportunity for
all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstance.
In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help
low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more
fully in America's economic and social life. These programs are funded under
Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO
Programs (initially just three programs). While student financial aid programs
help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs
help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.
Who is Served?
As mandated by Congress, two-thirds of the students served must come from
families with incomes under $24,000, where neither parent graduated from
college. Over 2,700 TRIO Programs currently serve nearly 873,000 low-income
Americans.
In Oklahoma, there are 25 Upward Bound, 17 Talent Search, 7 Upward Bound
Math/Science, 3 Veterans Upward Bound, 5 Educational Opportunity Centers, 20
Student Support Services, and 4 Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement
Programs. This totals 81 TRiO projects housed at 27 higher-ed institutions and 4
community agencies. These projects serve 27,323 participants.
What is ODSA?
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The
purpose of Oklahoma Division of Student
Assistance (ODSA)
shall be:
To promote professional competency, efficiency, and associate of members and others associated with and concerned about student assistance programs. To promote the development, improvement, and extension of educational opportunities for TRiO eligible persons in the Southwest Region who, because of financial, cultural, educational deprivation, disability, and limited English speaking ability, have not had those opportunities necessary for the development of their fullest potential. To accomplish this purpose, ODSA proposes to work at six levels:
To provide for improved communication between institutions and agencies sponsoring student assistance programs. To foster a commitment to develop bold and innovative educational programs designed to provide opportunities for eligible participants to initiate, continue or resume secondary and/or post secondary education. To promote and provide individual and cooperative studies, research, workshops, seminars, conferences, effective models and related activities as may be desired or required to fulfill the purposes of the Association. To develop, maintain, and disseminate data pertinent to resolving issues to all bona fide participants and officials of student assistance programs. To participate in ethical efforts geared to guarantee all membership equal rights, privileges, and benefits. |