Two new federal grants at Emporia State university will open doors for students’ future success. The university’s TRIO programs will receive $1.16 million for the McNair Scholars program and $1.3 million for Upward Bound. Both grants will be paid out over five years.
“We know that those with a college degree earn higher salaries throughout their careers than those who don’t,” said Kristi Bolen, director of ESU’s TRIO program. “We want students who often are under-represented in higher education to have these advantages.”
The new Emporia State University TRIO McNair Scholars project will help 25 eligible first-generation students gain the research skills and experience they need to move into doctoral programs. The students will work with faculty mentors on research projects and rigorous scholarship activities to ensure they are prepared for scholarly research. They also will receive tutoring, individual counseling and assistance gaining admission to and securing financial assistance for graduate education.
The Upward Bound program will work with 60 eligible students from Emporia and Northern Heights high schools. The goal is for the students to graduate from high school and enter and graduate from a postsecondary program. ESU’s TRIO staff will offer academic tutoring, Saturday enrichment workshops, help selecting high school courses, preparing for college entrance exams, exploring careers and visiting colleges.
ESU also will host a six-week Summer Institute with courses in math, laboratory sciences, composition and literature and foreign languages.