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ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ TRIO-SSS holds annual WINGS Camp for first-generation freshmen

Published September 10, 2024

TRIO WINGS

CAPTION:Twenty first-generation freshmen pose with TRIO-SSS staff at Biedenharn Gardens in Monroe during the 2024 WINGS camp. Ìý


MONROE, LA – ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥â€™s TRIO Programs Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS) recently concluded its 9th Annual WINGS College Transition Camp, held from August 21st to 23rd, 2024. The ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ WINGS Camp, a three-day program, was designed to provide essential support to incoming freshmen TRIO-SSS participants at ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ as they prepare for the fall semester. The camp's primary goal was to help first-generation college students transition smoothly into university life by equipping them with the necessary tools, resources, and guidance to navigate their academic journey successfully.Ìý

This year, the camp welcomed 20 first-generation freshmen. Students moved into their dorms early, allowing them to fully participate in a range of workshops and activities tailored to their academic, career, financial, and social needs. During the camp, students connected with TRIO SSS peer mentors and engaged in sessions on a range of topics, including strategies for mastering math and biology, tips for choosing a career path, how to obtain an on-campus job, and effective study skills. Additionally, participants enjoyed a cultural enrichment activity with a visit to the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens.Ìý

The ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ TRIO-SSS team also held a special session for parents and families, where they provided information about the TRIO-SSS program and offered advice on how families can support their students throughout their college experience. Dr. Mystee Burrell, Assistant Director of the ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ TRIO-SSS program states, “Supporting families is equally as important as supporting students, especially when it comes to the success of first-generation college students. By engaging parents and families in the process, we empower them to become active participants in their student's college experience, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits both the student and their support system.â€Ìý

The camp concluded with a pinning ceremony, during which each student was personally honored by the TRIO team. The team members pinned an "I'm First" badge onto each student celebrating their commitment to college graduation. Ìý

The ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ TRIO Programs team would like to thank the following ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ Faculty and Staff members for serving as guest speakers: Telitha Doke, Mathematics Instructor and Director of the Math Resource Center; Timothy McMahan, Biology Instructor/ Lab Manager and Alicia Mitchell, Senior Academic and Career Coach for Career & Student Development.Ìý

TRIO-SSS is one of the eight TRIO Programs fully funded through the U.S. Department of Education to assist first-generation, income-eligible students to remain in good academic standing and graduate from college.Ìý Ìý

To learn more about the ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ TRIO SSS program or to apply, visit Ìýor stop by the TRIO-SSS office located in Strauss Hall room 206 or the ÃÛ½ÛÖ±²¥ TRIO office Sandel Hall 3rd Floor.Ìý Additional contact information can be obtained by calling 318.342.1097 or via email at burrell@ulm.eduÌý or estis@ulm.eduÌý