For Immediate Release:
August 13, 2015
Primary Media Contact:
Sally Voth
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
Phone: 540-868-7134
Laurel Ridge Community College’s TRIO Student Support Services was awarded a five-year grant totaling $1.23 million dollars from the United States Department of Education. The monies will be utilized to provide one-on-one advising, mentoring, and tutoring support for 160 Laurel Ridge students annually. These students meet one or more of the following criteria: 1) first generation college students, 2) are low income, or 3) have a disability. Funds will also cover employment for staff and tutors.
Sarah Williams, Director of TRIO Student Support Services, commented, “We are so fortunate to have had the grant refunded for 2015-2020. It’s so important for the students that we serve, who rely on our services immensely, to be successful in their college career.” Laurel Ridge has provided TRIO services since 2001.
Data from 2013-2014 showed that 89% of Laurel Ridge TRIO students maintained good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or higher) and almost 60% attained an associate degree or certification. Forty-three percent of those transferred to a four-year university or college.
The Federal TRIO program emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the administration’s War on Poverty. This July, the U.S. Department of Education announced the award of $270 million to 968 institution of higher education to provide thousands of students with academic and other support services they need to succeed in college. Laurel Ridge was one of those recipients with an award totaling $1.23 million.
For more information regarding the TRIO Student Support Services program, go to https://laurelridge.edu/current-students/services-for-students/academic-center-for-excellence/trio-student-support-services-program/ or telephone 540-868-7085.
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Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines, in addition to providing access to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs offered on site by a four-year institution. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.
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