Laramie Junior High School ninth-grade student Carolina Chong creates a Valentine to give to Laramie senior citizens. She is among students served by University of Wyoming TRiO programs. (Upward Bound)
Happy Valentine’s Day: UW TRiO Students Serve Elderly Residents
February 13, 2012
Some of Laramie's senior citizens are enjoying custom-made Valentines made by local students.
University of Wyoming Upward Bound and Math/Science Initiative Project "TRiO" program students, in partnership with the Wyoming Geriatric Education Center, recently made 152 Valentine's Day cards for Meals on Wheels recipients and assisted-living residents.
Cards include "Heart Healthy" suggestions and messages from the American Heart Association and local doctors. Students will hand-deliver many of the cards on Valentine's Day to Laramie's Spring Wind Assisted Living residents.
"The program promotes community service activities among Upward Bound students and increases intergenerational awareness and interaction," says Upward Bound Program Director Jessica Rasmussen. "This health-themed Valentine's Day service project celebrates American Heart Month and National TRiO Day, which highlights the college-access services the TRiO programs provide to low-income students and families."
Wyoming TRiO and Gear Up (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) students will commemorate TRiO day in Cheyenne Tuesday, Feb. 21, by speaking with legislators, sitting in on House and Senate activities, meeting Gov. Matt Mead and attending a legislative workshop.
TRiO program services include assistance in choosing a college, academic tutoring, financial literacy programs, career counseling, assistance applying to college, workplace and college visits, assistance applying for financial aid; and targeted instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, and study skills.
For more information, contact Rasmussen, UW Upward Bound program, at ras@uwyo.edu or (307) 766-3073.
