LHU's TRIO staff members are (left to right) Secretary Judy Robb, Director Carroll Rhodes and Writing Specialist Julie Story.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Lock Haven University’s Department of Academic Development & Counseling has received a five-year SSS grant renewal in the amount of $293,864 a year.

Student Support Services (SSS) is a federal TRIO program funded to serve first-generation college students and students who meet other eligibility guidelines.

SSS is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education. It is supported by additional funding and services from Lock Haven University. According to Carroll Rhodes, the university’s SSS director, LHU has been the recipient of SSS funding “for at least 17 years.”

According to Rhodes, SSS is a lesser-known TRIO program, but “a very good fit with the student population at LHU. It offers many of the ideal supports for first-year success.” First-year students are the focus of TRIO services, which remain available to them throughout their enrollment at Lock Haven University.

Students who are selected for the SSS program gain valuable access to university life skills. SSS offers a variety of services including writing assistance, a first-year student success course, a learning strategies course, a book loan program, tutoring and supplemental instruction and peer mentoring. Faculty and staff from SSS are involved in teaching, consulting and advising to address student needs.

“This grant meets the needs of first-generation students as well as others who might not otherwise be in a position to consider post-secondary education,” said Rhodes. “We provide life-changing opportunities for students. It is very rewarding to watch them grow as individuals, as students, and as committed citizens.”

“Furthermore,” Rhodes noted, “the program impacts not just the students who participate but their families as well.”

Further information about SSS is available from Carroll Rhodes (570) 484-2324 or crrhodes@lhup.edu The LHU SSS website is http://www.lhup.edu/student-support-services/