BHSU receives nearly $1.5 million grant for student support services program

   

   

   

       

           

       

       

           BHSU recently received over $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Education for a TRIO Student Support Services grant, totaling almost $1.5 million received through the program over a five-year period. The funds will benefit qualifying BHSU students in completing their college degrees. BHSU President Tom Jackson, Jr. (far left) congratulates students who have benefited from the TRIO Program at BHSU, L to R: Ethan Engel, recent BHSU graduate from Winner Joel Burch, mass communication major from Indianapolis Ida Clarke, environmental physical science major from Oglala Kelly Winter-Howard, special education major from Belle Fourche, and Susan Hupp, director of Student Support Services.

       

       

           

       

       

           BHSU students and alumni who have benefited from the TRIO Student Support Services provided at BHSU discuss their future plans with President Tom Jackson, Jr. BHSU recently received over $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Education for a TRIO Student Support Services grant, totaling almost $1.5 million received through the program over a five-year period. The funds will benefit qualifying BHSU students in completing their college degrees. L to R: Susan Hupp, director of Student Support Services Joel Burch, mass communication major from Indianapolis Ethan Engel, recent BHSU graduate from Winner Jackson Ida Clarke, environmental physical science major from Oglala and Kelly Winter-Howard, special education major from Belle Fourche.

       

   



A highly successful program at Black Hills State University which more than doubles the graduation rate of qualifying students just earned a grant for nearly $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Education.

The highly competitive five-year grant for the Federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program allows for continuation of BHSU&rsquos outreach and student services to first-generation college students, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities. The funds provide support for services including academic advising and tutoring to help students successfully graduate from college.

BHSU has offered the TRIO SSS Program since the first grant was awarded in 1971 positively impacting the academic and professional careers of several thousand students.

A first generation student himself, BHSU President Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., says he&rsquos proud of the University&rsquos legacy of success with the TRIO Student Support Services Program.

"This grant provides tremendous opportunities for students to achieve their dream of earning a university degree. With this program, Black Hills State University creates an atmosphere of success and inspires students to set goals and seek new possibilities for their futures. I admire each and every one of the students who have taken part in this program," Jackson says. "I commend the BHSU staff for their ongoing dedication to our students&rsquo success."

BHSU was awarded $287,459 for the 2015-2016 year, and nearly $1.5 million over the five-year grant period.

Susan Hupp, director of student support services at BHSU, said students clearly benefit from the services provided through the program.

"Historically, both nationally and at BHSU, SSS students are two to two-and-a-half times more likely to stay in school and graduate than eligible students who do not use SSS services," said Hupp.

The TRIO SSS program at BHSU was first funded to serve 60 students more than four decades ago. Since that time the number to be served has increased to 200 per year. Students who are accepted into the program are encouraged to remain in the program through graduation.  

Hupp says strong academic advisement is a critical component of the program. BHSU works with qualifying students to set up academic plans each semester, setting goals and identifying challenges and resources. Math and English/Writing Specialists provide focused attention in specific disciplines and staff members provide instruction on success strategies including study skills and time management.

"All services provided are geared toward establishment of a strong grade point average (GPA), retention, and graduation," said Hupp.

The support provided through the program continues to impact students post-graduation with advisors working with students on career counseling and financial literacy.

The success of students and alumni who participate in the program leaves no doubt that the program has a positive and lasting positive impact. Joel Burch, mass communication major from Indianapolis, was the first student to complete an internship with the BHSU Sports Information Office through the new Sports Media emphasis in the mass communication discipline. Ida Clarke, environmental physical science major from Oglala, completed a sustainable land and water resources internship last summer with the National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics in Minneapolis, Minn. and presented her research at conferences in California and Oregon. This summer Clarke interned at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. Kelly Winter-Howard presented her research with Special Olympics athletes during the 2014 National Council for Undergraduate Research Conference (NCUR). Artwork by BHSU alum Ethan Engel from Winner was displayed in Washington, D.C. as part of a national traveling exhibit. Engel was recognized as one of 15 outstanding artists through the VSA Emerging Young Artists Program.  

To learn more about TRIO SSS at BHSU, contact Hupp at 605-642-6824 or Susan.Hupp@BHSU.edu