Twenty-two incoming freshmen were recently selected to become part of Lee University LEAP, a federally-funded TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program designed to aid in student success.

LEAP (Learn, Engage, Achieve Program) started in 2015 when the university was awarded a five-year grant of $1.1 million by the U.S. Department of Education. In August 2020, Lee successfully renewed its five-year grant of $1.3 million (Read More: Grant Renewed). Lee contributes over $200,000 per year of institutional funds to the program that serves 140 first-generation or underrepresented students each year who meet the eligibility criteria. The program currently provides individual success coaching, peer mentors, direct student aid, financial aid counseling, financial literacy education, cultural and academic enrichment opportunities, and other personalized services according to individual students’ needs.

“LEAP seeks to equip, enrich, and empower our students to be responsible citizens by offering tools, resources, and activities that support their emotional, intellectual, physical, and social well-being at Lee University,” said Dr. Roy Y. Chan, director of Lee University LEAP. “We look forward to continuing the outstanding and innovative services we’ve been providing and helping future Flames for the next five years.”

This year, more than 400 incoming Lee freshmen were invited to apply for LEAP. The worldwide coronavirus pandemic has made it even more challenging for many first-generation and low-income students.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the systemic inequality and financial hardship which keep promising students from succeeding in college,” said Maureen Hoyler, president of the non-profit Council for Opportunity in Education in Washington, D.C., dedicated to furthering the expansion of college opportunities for low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities. “TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) is needed now more than ever.”

For more than 50 years, the Student Support Services (SSS) program has made important contributions to individuals and society by providing a broad range of services to help students succeed. The Federal TRIO Programs include eight federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programs provide grants to institutions of higher education, public and private agencies, and various organizations.

The incoming LEAP Class of 2024 cohort are Briyanna Allison of Ocala, Florida; Sarah Bertram of Cusseta, Alabama; Nathaniel Deal of Copperhill, Tennessee; Justus Dennis of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee; Jayden Dunn of Cleveland, Tennessee; Kaylin Endicott of Dunlap, Tennessee; Julia Grigorean of Ridgewood, New York; Jerika Long of Hohenwald, Tennessee; Savannah Manley of Dickson, Tennessee; Kayleigh McIntyre of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Hannah Meadow of Erin, Tennessee; Jacob Newton of Wichita Falls, Texas; Bailey Rath of Largo, Florida; Madison Roe of Maryville, Tennessee; Grace Shockley Greenback, Tennessee; Kira Stander of Cleveland, Tennessee; Kaylee Stewart of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee; Jaclyn Taylor of Etowah, Tennessee; Maygan Taylor of McKinney, Kentucky; Hope Troyer of Grove City, Ohio; Kaitlynn West Sell of Holualoa, Hawaii; and Alyssa Woody of Crossville, Tennessee.

For more information, visit about Lee University LEAP.

For more information about TRIO Programs, visit Trio site.