Guest opinion: TRIO needs to survive cuts

On July 31, the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives and President Barack Obama came together on a compromise debt ceiling package that will undoubtedly include large cuts to discretionary programs that matter most in our low-income neighborhoods. However, Washingtonians have renewed hope because U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, who has fought for low-income Washingtonians her entire 18-year career, has been selected for the Select Committee on Deficit Reduction – the committee that will have a tough task in recommending $1.5 trillion in cuts by Nov. 23.

One program that will be targeted by some committee members is the successful and critical TRIO program. TRIO is a series of eight federally funded educational opportunity programs designed to help encourage and prepare individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds in achieving a four-year college degree. TRIO programs originated in the Higher Education Act of 1965 and were a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. Today, TRIO serves more than 850,000 students from sixth grade through college graduation.

As an alumnus of Eastern Washington University’s TRIO Student Support Services project and the program’s current director, I’m concerned about the impact our current economy is having on federal and state support for education programs. I’ve seen firsthand the impact programs like TRIO can have on lives, and what it can continue to do for our community.

When I first began attending college, I lacked confidence and an understanding of the college culture. TRIO helped me discover my inner leadership qualities and provided me with study tools that helped me graduate with honors. Through tutoring, mentoring and internships, I discovered my career path. Now, because of TRIO, I hold a master’s degree in organizational psychology and most importantly, my two children are being prepared for their opportunity to attend college.

Obama and many members of Congress continue to stress the importance of an educated America, setting the goal to be No. 1 in the world in higher education degree attainment by 2020. Yet, they continue to support legislation that slashes funding for educational programs – and impacts America’s investment in its future. Not only does this send the wrong message regarding the importance of education to our local communities, but it also suggests a lack of commitment to achieving the stated goal.

Every year, the TRIO programs in Washington help more than 15,600 low-income and first-generation students, students with disabilities and veterans in their pursuit of a college education and enable them to become more productive and satisfied citizens. Do we really want to support legislation that will harm our global competitiveness and reduce access to education for only those born into high-income families?

In these arduous economic times in Washington, and with the increase of citizens returning to the classroom, this is a time to build up, not decrease, services to our most vulnerable students. I ask that Sen. Murray ensure that when the tough decisions are made in choosing which programs are cut, educational programs like TRIO are not included.

Sadly, the reduction in funding for TRIO began last April when it was cut by $26.6 million. This cut is already leaving its mark in our local community. The reduction caused Spokane Public Schools to lose out on two grant opportunities that would have served 1,000 low-income middle school and high school students. Rogers was one of the target high schools that would have benefited. Students from Rogers were to receive additional college and career preparation support in a project designed as an educational pipeline for enrollment in college. The design of one of the two projects would have moved eligible graduating seniors right into the college TRIO Student Support Services project at EWU.

Currently, EWU houses two highly successful and nationally recognized TRIO projects: Student Support Services (SSS) and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate program. EWU’s SSS project was established in 1977 and currently serves 290 students annually. The McNair project began in 1989 and has seen more than 70 low-income students earn master’s degrees. Six have earned doctorates.

I agree with the need for greater fiscal responsibility, but not on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens. We must work together to lift people out of poverty, not hold them down. When this issue is addressed, I hope my senator, Patty Murray, will stand up and fight for Washington TRIO programs when it matters most.