KLAMATH FALLS — Klamath Community College TRiO Student Support Services project students were in Washington, D.C., March 13-21 to advocate for continued federal TRiO funding. The students were part of a TRiO Council of Opportunity for Education’s Policy Seminar that included regional students from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska.
The four KCC students – Charlene Dorn, Ryan Eck , Tamara Heinzman, and Antonio Pena – met with Oregon’s U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley and U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz. The students competed in an essay contest that awarded grants to cover the cost of the trip.
TRiO is a suite of federal outreach programs designed to provide services for educational access and retention for low-income, first-generation, and disabled individuals. They are administered and funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
KCC student Tamara Heinzman said, “The chance to bring attention to the necessity of the TRiO program all the way to Capitol Hill was a powerful experience. It provided me with a sense of empowerment that I could use my story in a positive way. Meeting with people who have the power to preserve the funding for TRiO gave me hope that those who are in need of financial assistance can begin their journey to higher education.”
“It was great to see the bigger picture of how things work and have a better understanding how policies are made,” said student Ryan Eck. “I was able to have a good conversation with the U of O TRiO Director after dinner that would not have happened during a regular college visit. It was amazing being a part of something so big across the United States and be in a conference with over 1,200 people seeking the same goal of funding student success.”
Student Antonio Pena said, “The trip gave me an opportunity to be part of the solution rather than complaining about the problem. It was deeply impactful and motivating to me.”
“This trip has made me want to include some kind of advocacy in whatever career path I take in the healthcare field,” Charlene Dorn said. “It has made me want to help people even more.”
Students who met an eligibility criteria participated in a competition in which they wrote essays, participated in TRiO activities or met First-Generation Student Success (FGSS) grant or GPA requirements and were in good academic standing. The essays were scored by a blind panel with a rubric, and scores were recorded and ranked. Two TRiO students and two FGSS students won this all-expenses paid trip to the policy seminar. While in Washington, they attended a leadership summit, a public relations seminar with the Department of Education and the legislative conference. KCC TRiO SSS project Academic Advisor Hailie Mentz and Administrative Assistant Pam Silcox accompanied the group.
According to data from the policy conference:
- In total, the TRiO members reached out to 86 senators and 351 representatives and delegates.
- 88% of senators or representatives agreed to collaborate with the administration to ensure that TRIO programs receive funding at least at the 2024 fiscal year level.
- 84% of senators or representatives will be signing the 2026 fiscal year TRiO appropriations letter.
- Despite recent reductions, 92% of the senators or representatives will work with the Department of Education to ensure a timely release of continuation award notices for existing TRiO grants, including notifications for this summer and fall.
- 60% will plan on joining the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional TRiO Caucus.
- 92% will plan a visit to a local TRiO program
For more information about KCC and its programs, visit www.klamathcc.edu.
