UAF INDIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 1996

Fairbanks, Alaska - The University of Alaska Fairbanks Student Support Services Project (SSSP) was recognized nationwide by the Native American Scholarship Fund as an Exemplary Program in Indian Education. Fund officials commended the program for "creating a structure that is commendable, superb and worth of imitation."

SSSP Assistant Director and math instructor Greg Owens was invited as a guest faculty member to the Exemplary Programs in Indian Education conference held in Gallup, N.M., where he was asked to speak about the design and success of SSSP and its math program. During his ten years with SSSP, Owens has worked with more than 1,000 rural students to help them achieve academic success.

SSSP is a federally funded, education department TRIO program designed to increase student motivation and improve student retention and success rates. The program has been operating at UAF since 1978, offering personal and academic support through its developmental and degree level courses, free tutoring, academic advising and advocacy. Students who need academic assistance qualify for the federally-funded program by being low income, a first-generation college student or disabled.

CONTACT: Student Support Services Project Director Michele Campagna (907) 474-6887

DPD/12-11--96/97-039