LBW Community College’s two federal TRIO programs, Upward Bound and Student Support Services, recently named Breshawn Skinner, assistant director of financial aid, as the 2016 TRIO Champion.

“It is an honor to be recognized with the TRIO Champion award by my colleagues,” said Skinner.

Both programs are among the original three federal programs designed to increase access and assist eligible students to begin and complete a post-secondary education.

“I am most appreciative of this award as I understand the importance and impact of TRIO programs in the lives of students,” she said, adding the programs provided assistance during her own college years and helped her become the first college graduate in her family.

“Each day I strive to provide that same support to students with whom I interact. I try to encourage each student by sharing that I have been there before and if I can do it, then they can do it.”

Directors of both the Upward Bound and Student Support Services programs are grateful to Skinner for keeping students informed.

“Ms. Skinner works closely with Tori Norris, SSS Greenville campus coordinator, to ensure all our participants are knowledgeable about the financial aid process and have a financial package to enable their success to graduate,” said Dr. Pat Powell, SSS director.

“The selection of a champion is challenging for the LBWCC TRIO programs because of the excellent support the programs receive from faculty and staff. We appreciate Ms. Skinner’s dedication to the program.”

Bridges Anderson, Upward Bound director, said Skinner is an asset to the programs.

“She is a person the TRIO programs can depend on to provide the needed services to our students,” he said.

LBWCC’s Upward Bound program helps high school students in grades 9-12 prepare for higher education, with participants receiving instruction in literature, composition, mathematics, and science on LBWCC’s campus during after-school hours, Saturday classes, and summer enrichment programs, he said.

In addition, Upward Bound also provides intensive mentoring and support for participants as they prepare for college entrance exams and tackle admissions applications.

TRIO services include assistance in choosing a college; tutoring; personal and financial counseling; career counseling; assistance in applying for college; workplace and college visits; special instruction in reading, writing, study skills, and mathematics; assistance in applying for financial aid; and academic support.