Nearly 100 students, college faculty and staff honored Congressman Jim Ramstad’s continued support of higher education during the National TRIO Day celebration at North Hennepin Community College (NHCC) on April 2. Ramstad recently signed a letter of support to increase funding by $1 million for TRIO programs. TRIO programs are designed to assist low-income, first-generation college students, and those with disabilities enter college and graduate successfully.
“Thank you for investing in me Mr. Ramstad,” says Margaret “Peggy” Larkin, NHCC graduate and current student at Augsburg College. “Because of TRIO I was able to make a change in my life by attending college and escaping an abusive relationship. Today I am a paralegal for Carver County and I can support myself. It’s been a tremendous experience.”
Larkin was one of several students who shared their positive life-changing experiences due to access to higher education through TRIO. Congressman Ramstad was moved to tears by students’ comments but spoke about the need to do more.
“Let’s face it, higher education is too far out of reach for too many students,” explains Ramstad. “A highly educated workforce is a key ingredient to our future success. I am proud to carry your banner to the United States Congress. Rest assured, you have my 100 percent support.”
TRIO History
Federally-funded TRIO programs began in 1964 in an effort to create equal access to higher education for all Americans. Today there are seven TRIO programs and nationally, more than 2,700 TRIO projects serve nearly 866,000 low-income Americans.
For information on college admissions and participation in a TRIO program contact:
- Anoka-Ramsey Community College: 763.433.1170
- North Hennepin Community College: 763.424.0937
- Normandale Community College: 952.487.8200
ABOUT ANOKA-RAMSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Anoka-Ramsey Community College, with campuses in Cambridge and Coon Rapids, has been a leading provider of higher education and training in East Central Minnesota since 1978 and the north suburban area of Minneapolis/St. Paul since 1965. Annually, the college serves more than 9,700 learners of all ages as they pursue associate degrees that transfer as the first two years of a bachelor's degree, or certificate programs that lead immediately to rewarding careers. ARCC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.
About North Hennepin Community College
North Hennepin Community College, located in Brooklyn Park, has been a leading provider of higher education in the northwest metropolitan area of the Twin Cities since 1966. The college offers associate degrees in liberal arts and career programs to prepare students to transfer to four-year institutions or enter immediately into rewarding careers. NHCC currently serves more than 13,000 students with credit and non-credit offerings and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.
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