The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is the recipient of two federal Student Support Services grants, totaling more than $3.4 million over the next five years. The grants are critical for UW-Platteville’s TRIO Student Support Services to carry out its mission of supporting and retaining underserved populations.
“One of UW-Platteville’s strategic goals is to increase the accessibility and affordability of a UW-Platteville education,” said Laura Franklin, executive director of diversity and inclusion. “Our TRIO programs work very hard to ensure that first generation and income eligible college students have equal access to an affordable education and are well positioned to become successful college graduates.”
UW-Platteville’s TRIO-supported program began in 1977. Among the services provided to eligible students are academic advising, assistance with accessing campus resources, help with understanding a financial aid package, mentoring, tutoring and opportunities to participate in social and cultural activities. The program serves students who are first generation, income eligible, or have a documented disability.
“Over 40% of UW-Platteville students are members of the first generation of their family to pursue a bachelor’s degree,” said Franklin. “TRIO SSS not only provides direct services to its participants, but also works hard to foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of low-income and first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities.”
“We are thrilled to have our SSS work continue and build on the long history we have of serving first generation and low-income students on our campus,” said Angela Miller, assistant chancellor of diversity and inclusion at UW-Platteville. “Our consistent success with securing our TRIO grants is led by the heart and determination of Executive Director Laura Franklin and her fantastic SSS team. The folks who work in this area do an excellent job putting students’ needs above all else and truly make a significant impact on all the lives their work touches.”