Kimberly Hughes, Program Assistant Student Support Services, CSUF Foundation 5048 E. Jackson Ave., Room 185F MS LS 140 Fresno, CA 93740-8022 559-278-5725 phone 559-278-1441 fax Email: [log in to unmask] "Optimism is the Faith that leads to Achievement. Nothing can be done without Hope and Confidence." ~ Helen Keller _____ From: Heather Valentine [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 4:13 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: TRIO Message for the Hill TRIO Message for the Hill President Obama Level-Funded TRIO in his FY 2010 Budget. 1. His Budget is extremely short sighted. By funneling billions of dollars into programs like the Pell Grant program, but not adequately funding college access programs like TRIO, the President is not equipping low-income and first-generation students with the tools they need to successfully enter into and complete college. 2. The money allocated for TRIO for FY 2010 will fund one of the largest TRIO competitions, Student Support Services (SSS). Without additional funding for FY 2010, it is estimated that 115 SSS programs will be discontinued and roughly 25,000 CURRENT students will lose critical services. 3. In order to regain top status in the world for college graduation and to shore up other educational investments, particularly investments in the Pell Grant program, Congress must provide a substantial increase in TRIO funding. 4. Talk about the results you have with your programs - the more success you have in speaking about what the programs mean to the students and families in your area, the more likely we are to get vocal Congressional supporters. <http://www.congressweb.com/t/i/?VFUPIUGRBA>