(Bradenton, Fla., Feb. 16, 2023) — State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) continues to utilize TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant funding to assist students in achieving their educational goals. Nine TRIO students graduated in December 2022, and 25 have graduated through the program since 2021. SCF also hosted a successful career navigation event for TRIO students at the end of the Fall 2022 semester. 

Speakers and presenters at the “Navigating Your Career” event included Dr. Michael Kiefer, associate provost for academic and faculty affairs; Dr. Kristen Anderson, TRIO SSS program director; and a panel of deans and assistant deans. Several members of the student services staff educated the TRIO participants on resources and strategies for succeeding at SCF and preparing for a career after college. A post-event survey revealed universally positive outcomes from the students in attendance.     

The day started with a briefing from Kiefer about the importance of TRIO, and Anderson led the group in an icebreaker activity and covered the importance of networking. Lordana Guillaume, TRIO SSS coordinator, moderated the panel discussion and breakout sessions that followed. David Dinn, director of college and career planning, offered advice on how to utilize SCF’s success coaches for advisement about academics and career goals. Additional presentation topics included a session on resources for student employment and opportunities for tutoring and academic support.   

SCF was awarded the highly competitive five-year TRIO grant in 2020. Through TRIO, SCF is furthering its student service initiatives designed to identify and provide year-round academic and financial coaching and/or other integral services for first-generation college students, those from underserved economic backgrounds or students with disabilities.

For more information about TRIO SSS, visit SCF.edu/TRIO, or contact Kristen Anderson at 941-752-5257 or AndersKL@SCF.edu. 

TRIO SSS graduates (L to R) Frederick Brown, Matthew Senecal, Youseline Joseph and Christine Rice with Dr. Kristen Anderson at SCF’s Winter 2022 Graduation.