June 14, 2001

Contact: Lynne Imamshah (509-963-1824/fax 509-963-1620/email: lynnei@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The U.S. Department of Education has announced the results of the 2001 competition for Student Support Services (SSS) grants, and it's good news for Central Washington University's SSS program. CWU was listed among 900 colleges and universities nationwide that will receive SSS grant funding the next four years, according to Lynne Imamshah, interim director of CWU academic achievement and student support services.

"Four more years of funding ensures that we can continue to help students overcome economic and cultural barriers to higher education," Imamshah says.

SSS, a federal TRIO program, serves low-income, first-generation and students with disabilities who are in need of academic support services, such as academic advising, counseling and tutoring.

"Studies show that students whose parents did not attend college are at a distinct disadvantage in having access to postsecondary education," Imamshah says, "and these students who overcome barriers and enroll in college remain at a disadvantage with respect to staying enrolled and getting a degree."

For more than 30 years, Student Support Services programs across the country have enabled Americans - regardless of economic circumstance, race, or ethnic background - to successfully enter college and graduate.

Dawn L. Johnson, the first Central SSS student applicant, says "Immediately I began to see SSS working for my college career and me. The staff at SSS helped me through the hard times, and also laughed and cheered with me during the good." Johnson was a featured speaker at the fourth annual Student Support Services Participant Recognition Dinner on May 24.

Johnson, 22, an administrative management major, graduated at the end of winter quarter and is now working as technical administrative assistant at Interstate Brands Corp., Seattle. A native of Lakewood, she graduated from Clover Park High School in 1996.

Johnson was among 200 undergraduate students who participate in Central's SSS program annually.

"Thirty SSS students graduated this year and we look forward to that number growing," Imamshah says.