The Department of Education granted Loyola $1.3 million through the federal TRIO programs, the branch of the department that specializes in student services and outreach. This money is meant to help low-income, first-generation, and disabled students’ retention and graduation rates.
The services associated with TRIO are varied but center widely around financial aid and scholarship assistance and advice, as well as tutoring and mentoring. This is all in an effort to help disadvantaged students get the education they deserve, according to Monica Curtis, Loyola’s TRIO director.
Psych major and First in the Pack member Felix Urrutia spoke on this grant. He remarked on how the funding could help greatly with staffing, observing how hard Curtis works and how the extra staff could lighten the load. In turn, this could translate to even more support for TRIO scholars.
“Ms. Monica does her hardest and has definitely done good work even though she has her limits it hasn’t shown in the amount of events and support we receive as TRIO scholars,” Urrutia said.
For Urrutia, TRIO has been a great opportunity to connect with peers and various programs–helping with time management, planning, and providing many other things that aid in navigating college life. With a program so positive and important in the lives of so many students, the weight of the grant is felt, and the significance of the money cannot be stressed enough.
“I feel great knowing that TRIO has more funding specifically not only because it helps fund events, but most importantly, this should help obtain some more staff for TRIO,” Urrutia said.
The main worry regarding the funds is that they are used judiciously. Viewing other TRIO grants across the nation, Urrutia remarked on how sometimes funds are used up too quickly, frivolously and without moderation. Ultimately, he puts his trust in Loyola’s ability to manage the money properly and put it towards the right places–increasing staffing and providing more and better opportunities for TRIO students.
“I trust TRIO will properly manage this grant and give the proper resources the funding in need,” Urrutia said.
