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A press conference held today at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) featured Oklahoma Second District Congressman Markwayne Mullin announcing a $1.3 million federal grant for NEO’s Student Support Services (SSS) programs. The new SSS grant is the fourth SSS grant NEO has received; the first grant was in 2001.“I am excited to see the ways that this grant money will benefit the students at NEO and empower them to be successful. When we invest in the outcome of our students, we see the positive effects of that investment in our communities and throughout our state,” Mullin said.

NEO’s Student Support Services is a federally funded TriO program designed to enhance the success of each undergraduate student at the college, with a particular interest in first-generation, disabled, or lower income students. The program aims to increase graduation rates as well as prepare students to achieve success at a four-year institution following their completion at NEO. SSS offers a multitude of services, open to every NEO student, to meet these goals.

Including: one-on-one and group tutoring
a computer lab and study area
academic advisement
career guidance
transfer counseling and college visits
workshops on study skills, etc.
cultural and educational events
community service opportunities

Additionally, the SSS grant provides funding to staff an office to ensure these services and goals are continuously met and available. Access to these services is provided at no cost to students. “For the past 15 years, the NEO Student Support Services grant has helped hundreds of students earn college degrees and acquire good jobs and additional education,” said NEO President Dr. Jeff Hale. “We sincerely appreciate the support of Congressman Mullin and the important assistance we received from his staff.”

The U.S. Department of Education has approved a total of $1,264,180.00 to be allocated to NEO’s SSS programs over a period of five years. The grant will be divided into $252,836.00 increments per year to support these programs that improve and encourage student success. With these funds, NEO’s SSS programs will continue funding these services and implement new programs that will best serve the students of the college. “NEO A&M College is dedicated to ensuring its students find success beyond the classroom, and the SSS program is proud to instill the values necessary to becoming a successful student as well as employee,” said Julie Brixey, SSS director. “Our program works to eliminate any obstacle faced by the students of NEO A&M College. This generous support provided by the U.S. Department of Education will continue to ensure the success of students.” Photo caption — From left: NEO President Dr. Jeff Hale, Lenny Windle, SSS staff, Julie Brixey, SSS director, Hannah Berryman, SSS staff, Bobbie Pennington, SSS staff, Linda Wilson, former SSS director and Oklahoma Second District Congressman Markwayne Mullin