CONTACT INFORMATION:

TRiO Student Support Services University of Montana-Helena 1115 North Roberts Street Helena, MT 59601-3098 406-202-0456

kendall.may@umhelena.edu

Program Description:

EDGE is a Federal TRiO Student Support Services program set to serve 140 UM-Helena college students at any given time. It is grant funded and services oriented to assist students who are from traditionally underrepresented populations who may be considered at-risk, or potentially at risk, in regard to completing a college education. EDGE offers a partnership to its participants in overcoming academic, career, financial, and personal challenges that could hinder college completion. It also provides opportunities for cultural and life enrichment plus visits to 4-year institutions for possible pursuits of continued education for greater degree and career outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Being a citizen or national of the United States, or meeting the residency requirements for Federal student financial assistance.
• Being a degree-seeking student enrolled in a minimum of 9 credit hours per regular semester, or having the objective of completing 18-24 credit hours per year, or being accepted at UM-Helena in the next academic term with the intention of doing one of the two previously mentioned types of attendance.
• Having a need for academic support, as determined by this program through an application process, in order to successfully pursue a post-secondary educational program.
• Being at least one of the following:
  1. First generation college student status (neither parent has a 4-year degree completed);
  2. Income qualified (as described by the U.S. Department of Education guidelines); or
  3. An individual with a documented disability (physical, mental or learning).

Program Services:

Academic Advising and Planning:
Participants will receive one-to-one and/or cluster advising from an EDGE staff each semester. Educational information and assessments will be utilized to identify academic needs and addressed accordingly through an IDP (Individualized Development Plan). There will be collaboration with UM-Helena faculty and staff to provide an “Early Alert Referral” notification to Retention Services and EDGE if a participant is having difficulty in order that the program can assist as an active partner.

Personal Guidance and Counseling:
Guidance relating to college transition, campus/community resources, social and cultural enriching activities, and general personal concerns can be provided by all EDGE staff. Limited professional counseling is available with qualified staff.

Financial Guidance:
Each participant will receive guidance in financial preparation, aid in applications and scholarship/grant letters, etc.

Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring:
Supplemental Instruction and Tutoring services are available to assist participants with subject difficulties.

Computer Access:
There will be additional computer access available for use by participants in the program area. They can be utilized for class research projects, typing papers, etc. Additional assistance can be made available at the participant’s request.

Needs and Skills Development:
Additional services, or referrals, will take place to assist each participant as needed.