OJC Press Release ID: 2549

Monday, August 15, 2016

OJC TRiO held second annual success conference August 12

‘Graduate. Transfer. Succeed.’ That is the motto of the TRiO Student Support Services program at Otero Junior College. TRiO is a federally funded program started in the mid-1960s to address the war on poverty. Eligibility for the program is determined by any one of three criteria: first generation college student status, income eligibility, or the presence of a documented disability.

The services available to eligible students include tutoring; academic advising; career exploration; assistance with transferring to four year institutions; financial aid assistance; and workshops to help develop career and life skills.
An additional option added last year for TRiO students is the opportunity to attend the TRiO student success conference. The conference was a big hit last year, so the program was tweaked and updated for this year.

Those attending chose two workshops from a variety of topics designed to help them succeed in their academic and personal lives. Some of the available workshops included: Challenge Your Limits, Ready, Set, Resume, You Mean I have to Study?, College Survival 101, Be Techno Savvy, So You Want to Be Your Own Boss?, Keep Calm and Stress Less, and Know Your True Colors. All students in attendance also had a workshop on Financial Aid.

Following the workshop sessions, attendees enjoyed pizza and dessert while hearing the inspirational story of Rosa Ramos, a first generation student who successfully completed her associates and bachelor’s degrees despite the odds against her.

For more information on the TRiO program or to apply, contact Holly Lewis, TRiO Student Support Services director at 719-384-6835 or holly.lewis@ojc.edu.

OJC alum Rosa Ramos of Rocky Ford was the keynote speaker for the second annual TRiO Student Support Services conference.

Students participate in one of the workshops during the conference.