University of South Florida (Tampa)
PAE-10: Affordability and Access Programs

The genesis of the Upward Bound program on the University of South Florida campus began in June 1966. Dr. Mary Jo McCormick was appointed as the first director of the program. It is the oldest and largest of the Federal TRIO programs, Please see: http://fcit.usf.edu/coedu/upwardbound.html

USF is a part of the College Reach-Out Program, a statewide program designed to increase the number of students who successfully enter and complete a postsecondary institution. The program's primary objective is to strengthen the educational motivation and preparation of low-income and educationally disadvantaged students in grades 8 through 12, representing various cultural backgrounds, who ""otherwise would be unlikely to seek admission to a community college, state university or independent post secondary institution without special support and recruitment efforts.Please see: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/crop/crop.htm

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant Program (TEACH) provides up to $4,000 a year in grants to students who are willing to commit to teach full time in a high-need field at a low income school. Please see: http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/gift_aid/teach.aspx

The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education. Upward Bound provides academic instruction in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition, literature, and foreign languages. Tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, and work-study programs also are supported. Benefits of Upward Bound include: Academic Support ACT/SAT Prep Free Tutoring College Campus Visits Cultural Activities Community Service Financial aid information and workshops Stipends for attending weekly meetings and completing academic units No cost to participants Please see: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/upbound/eligibility.htm

USF has several scholarships to assist low-income students. One example is the Dr. Israel "Ike" Tribble Jr. Endowed Scholarship, established to assist outstanding disadvantaged and/or minority students who have proven themselves academically but lack financial resources to attend the University of South Florida. Applicants must have demonstrated financial need as documented on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and meet the University of South Florida's established GPA for merit based aid. Awards are disbursed in fall and spring semesters only, and are non-renewable, although students may reapply for subsequent years.

The University of South Florida provides a world of opportunity for a select number of students who possess the desire to succeed. For some students, this desire may not be completely reflected in their high school record. The University recognizes the potential for success in these students and helps make their academic goals a reality through our Freshman Summer Institute. The program provides access to a university education for promising students from first generation and/or limited income families and identifies qualified individuals through a review of admission applications, academic records, and family income as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). At the FSI Information our staff will provide a program overview for parents and students, discuss course placement, housing and dining contracts, collect financial aid documents, and describe check-in procedures, Please see: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/fsi/fsi.htm

ENLACE at USF encourages and supports first-generation Latino and other underrepresented students for a smooth and successful transition from high school to college. ENLACE hosts a breakfast with the Latino student organizations where students immediately get to meet administrators and other students. During the first semester participants have access to an academic advisor/counselor who will assist with any academic or personal concern the students may have. As semester moves along, they will have the opportunity to get involved with the ENLACE program and the different activities it sponsors. Please see: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/enlace/enlace.htm

The Student Support Services Program (SSS) is a federally funded two-year retention program that provides effective academic and personal support for a diverse student population. The program is designed to significantly increase the retention and graduation rates of its participants. Student Support Services provides excellent academic advising and monitoring, individual counseling, college survival seminars, pre-registration, tutorial services, mid-term assessments, social and cultural enrichment programs, a laptop loan program, computer lab, and activities that broaden career perspectives and promote self-confidence. The program and its staff are committed to providing proactive, comprehensive, and innovative services to enhance students’ success at USF, Please see: http://www.ugs.usf.edu/sss/sss.htm

The University of South Florida is committed to fostering a campus culture that advocates for and supports a variety of mentoring opportunities for students. We believe that mentoring programs are one of the best ways to help students get connected to USF and develop the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to persist to graduation. The Mentoring @ USF program is a central resource for students, faculty, staff, and community members to learn more about mentoring opportunities and find ways to get connected.

The USF Latino Scholarship Program which is a group of university-wide financial need based scholarships that are funded by the Tampa Bay area Latino community and others interested in issues affecting the Latino community, and is designed to assist USF in achieving and sustaining the education benefits of diversity and increasing the number of USF students interested in issues affecting the Latino community and/or likely to give back to the Latino community after graduation. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA as calculated by USF; graduate from an accredited high school in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Manatee, Pasco, Hernando, or Sarasota; and demonstrate financial need as documented by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Strong consideration will be given to students who are fluent in Spanish and are the first generation in their family to attend college. Students need not be Hispanic to appy for or receive this scholarship. Please see: http://usfweb2.usf.edu/latscholar/