Postsecondary enrollment data for 2023 indicates a nationwide increase in community college enrollment by more than 100,000 students, with a significant portion coming from lower-income neighborhoods.

Tonya DeWitt, director of TRIO programs at Western Nebraska Community College, reported an increase in the number of their students qualifying for this federally funded program, which supports students facing economic and other challenges.

To be eligible for TRIO, students must be first-generation college students, have a household income not exceeding 150% of the federal poverty guideline, or have a disability. Participants receive academic assistance, and many benefit from the Growth Mindset program.

“Instead of saying, ‘I can’t do it,’ we encourage students to think, ‘Well, you can’t do it right now, but you can,'” DeWitt explained, illustrating the program’s approach to fostering a positive mindset. “We challenge negative thoughts like ‘I can’t do nursing.’ Instead, we ask, ‘Why is that?’ and work to identify and overcome the barriers to their success.”

Academic support for TRIO students includes in-person tutoring, 24/7 virtual tutoring, study guides, and online programs that assist with writing and research. DeWitt noted that while the nursing program is very popular among TRIO students, interest in trade programs is also growing.

DeWitt emphasized the significance of 24/7 tutoring access for their TRIO students, including holidays.

“We ensure that our students on the road with sports can access tutoring while traveling and doing homework on the bus,” DeWitt observed. “For single parents, middle-of-the-night homework sessions are common, and having tutoring available at all hours is crucial.”

Approximately 10% of the school’s TRIO students are single parents, eligible for the Single Parents in Network (SPiN) program. SPiN offers assistance with personal, academic, and career difficulties, as well as access to a “necessities” pantry that supplements the college’s food pantry.

“We supply detergent and cleaning products so that their children have a clean home.
We offer diapers, baby items, and backpacks for their kids to use at school,” DeWitt outlined. “We also provide educational materials to all students, with additional resources for our SPiN participants.”

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