Program Designed to Aid Low-Income Oklahoma Students Facing Cuts

By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- About 900 Oklahoma high school students filled the state Capitol House chamber and rotunda for national TRIO Day to increase awareness of programs and services for low income students.

Dr. Tamara Reeves is a UCO psychology professor and said she wouldn't be where she is if not for a little help.

Reeves graduated from an inner city high school without money for college, but it didn't stop her. Like so many students, Tamara's educational dreams were guided and mentored through the federal program TRIO.

"That was such a far concept for me being a first generation student," Reeves said.

That's why she joined the hundreds of students at the State Capitol for TRIO Day.

"This firm foundation that the TRIO program provides is really the spring board that helps us help our students reach the dreams they have," said Chancellor Glen Johnson, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

But federal funding cuts threaten the program and the future of many students.

"As you know, money makes a difference if we don't have the money we can't provide the services on campuses such as tutoring, study skills help, academic advisory, financial aid assistance things of that nature," said Danny Hust, OSU-OKC.

The purpose of TRIO Day was to let federal and state lawmakers know the importance of TRIO and the difference it makes in young lives.

"It's important to me because I want to get into a good college and have a future because both of my parents were high school dropouts," said Cecely Jones, high school student.

Oklahoma has 85 programs under TRIO and serves about 26,000 students every year. TRIO research shows low-income students who go through the program are four times more likely to earn a college degree than those who do not participate.