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St. Olaf TRiO programs receive $42,000 grant

By Cate Grochala '06
November 30, 2005

St. Olaf College has received a $42, 000 grant from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. The grant will be used towards the Mentoring and Parent Program (MAPP), a part of the college's TRiO Programs: Educational Talent Search, Upward Bound and Student Support Services.

"Thousands of young people still have no role model or mentor to look to when considering their options beyond high school," says Susan Heegaard, Director of the Office of Higher Education. "These early intervention programs can make all the difference."

Nearly 400 youth from six area schools (North High School, Washburn High School, and Northeast Middle School of Minneapolis, St. Paul's Central and Humboldt high schools, as well as Red Wing High School in Red Wing) will be served by the MAPP program. Around 260 students and alumni will be trained to mentor these youth, helping them to become better writers and to become more motivated to attend college. They will also assist participants in discovering post-secondary education and career opportunities.

"The funded programs are designed to provide pre-college services that prepare students academically and socially so that their access to college and their potential for success in college is increased," says Nancy Walters, Program Manager for the Office of Higher Education.

The St. Olaf College TRiO programs were one of 14 Minnesota programs to receive a grants from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. The programs receiving these grants assist students defined as low-income or members of a group traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

Contact Carole Engblom at 507-646-3271 or leigh@stolaf.edu.