Vol.25, No. 17	Mar. 10, 2000

New York City High School Students Celebrate TRIO Day at Columbia

By Lauren Marshall

On a recent Saturday students from federally-funded TRIO programs across the nation, such as Upward Bound and Talent Search, joined in celebration of National TRIO Day. At Columbia, more than 300 TRIO students from the greater New York City area and New Jersey, convened for a day of inspirational speeches, workshops and exposure to their common goal—a college education.

"As one of the first TRIO supported programs in the United States, we are excited to host the National TRIO Day activities for our region," said Olger Twyner III, executive director of Columbia's Double Discovery Center, sponsor of the celebration. "This day helps us highlight our mission of supporting the educational advancement of first generation college-bound, low-income students."

In Altschul Auditorium, discussion topics included what one student described as the three Ps: personal power, pride and purpose.

"Everyone can fulfill his purpose as an Upward Bound student," said the student, "and my major goal is to pursue college."

He was not alone in his determination. Janae Lee, a junior from Jamaica, Queens, last summer went to Vassar for a month of pre-college courses.

"I've been with U. B. (Upward Bound) for two years, and I appreciate it a lot," said Janae, who plans to be a psychologist. "Just look around and you can see how many nationalities are here. We get to learn about each other and work together."

As the Saturday session continued, counselors got up one by one to talk to the students from the heart. They told stories of children long-since dead, the victims of gang violence, and warned of false friendship. They encouraged every student to work hard, explaining that with effort they could achieve their goals. They told the group to talk to their counselors if they had problems or questions, to reach out. And most important, they reminded these young people that they were loved.

"You know what it means to be loved," said one counselor, "You are a part of a new group and one day you will be the leaders of your communities."

Since the start of the federally-funded TRIO program in 1965, more than 10.5 million Americans, including African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and whites from poor and working families have benefited from its programs. TRIO programs, such as the Double Discovery Center, are designed to identify promising students; prepare them to do college-level work; strengthen their performance in math and science; provide tutoring and support services on campus, and provide information on academic and financial aid opportunities.