Published September 19, 2023
CAPTION:Fourteen first-generation freshmenparticipated in the WINGS camp. (Back L-R): Carlee Hudson, Taylor Lasyone, Madlyn Edwards, Javeon Harris, Tarralyn Wheeler, Riquel Tyler, Dakoda Vickery, Kyrie Mitchell, Mason
Stokes (Front L-R): Leah Ashlak, Charity Seamster
MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe's TRIO Programs Student Support Services (TRIO
SSS) successfully concluded its 8th Annual WINGS College Transition Camp from August
16th to 18th, 2023. The ULM WINGS Camp, a 3-day college transition program, took place
just before the commencement of the fall semester and was exclusively designed for
newly admitted TRIO-SSS program participants at ULM. The primary objective of the
camp was to equip first-generation college students with the necessary tools for a
seamless transition into university life. This involved acquainting them with campus
resources, offering personalized guidance and support, fostering peer-mentoring relationships,
cultivating a supportive community, and insights into the college experience.
This year's camp saw the enthusiastic participation of fourteen first-generation,
first-time freshmen. Participants had the opportunity to settle into their dormitories
early, allowing them to actively engage in a series of workshops and activities that
catered to their academic, career, financial, and social needs. Over the course of
the three days, a diverse range of subjects were covered, including effective strategies
for excelling in math and biology, uncovering the nuances of the college curriculum,
valuable advice for career selection, insights into work-study opportunities, and
essential study skills. Additionally, camp participants visited the Biedenharn Museum
and Gardens for a cultural enrichment activity.
To commemorate their participation, each attendee of the ULM WINGS Camp received a
TRIO Scholar t-shirt, a TRIO Scholar tote bag, and a copy of Dr. Susan Lieberman's
book titled Crack the Code: A Guide to College Success for First Gens. The ULM TRIO SSS team also organized a dedicated session for parents and family
members, where they shared information about the TRIO-SSS program and offered guidance
on how families can actively support students throughout their college journey.
“Research indicates that students who participate in summer transition programs are
more likely to persist through their first year and graduate within a reasonable timeframe,”
Dr. Mystee Burrell, Assistant Director of ULM TRIO SSS, “Programs like the WINGS College
Transition Camp help set a positive tone for the entire college experience, laying
a strong foundation for academic and personal success”. The success of the 8th Annual
WINGS College Transition Camp underscores the commitment of ULM's TRIO SSS program
to ensuring a smooth and enriching transition for first-generation college students
as they embark on their academic journeys.
The ULM TRIO Programs team would like to thank the following ULM Faculty and Staff
members for serving as guest speakers: Telitha Doke, Mathematics Instructor and Director
of the Math Resource Center; Kambry Ford, Student Employment Coordinator; Shonnie
Hall, Office Manager for Career Development; and Timothy McMahan, Biology Instructor
and Core Laboratory Manager.
TRIO-SSS is one of the eight TRIO Programs fully funded through the U.S. Department
of Education to assist first-generation, income-eligible students to remain in good
academic standing and graduate from college. Catherine Estis, ULM TRIO Executive Director
states that the ULM TRIO SSS Wings Camp helps create learning environments that foster
increased student engagement and lead to greater success toward college graduation.
According to Dr. Estis there is a lot of focus on getting into college, but we do
not hear much about the transition to college. The ULM TRIO Wings Camp is designed
to assist in ensuring a seamless transition for these first-time first-generation
freshmen students.
To learn more about the ULM TRIO SSS program or to apply, visit www.ulm.edu/trio or stop by the TRIO-SSS office located in Strauss Hall room 206 or the ULM TRIO office
Sandel Hall 3rd Floor. Additional contact information can be obtained by calling (318) 342-1097 or
via email at burrell@ulm.eduor estis@ulm.edu.
