Project Strive celebrates 12 years of student success

For students enrolled in Project Strive from 2010 to 2022, the persistence rate, or advancing to the next academic level, ranged between 81 and 94 percent. The good standing percentage ranged from 88 to 96 percent for the same period. The graduation rate varied from 37 percent in 2011-12 to a high of 66 percent in 2020-21. Director Jen Schaer said the graduation rate is based on a six-year window starting with freshmen enrollment.

The federal grant that funds the Project Strive program serves 160 students each year. Students must be U.S. citizens and meet one of the following criteria: first-generation, low-income, or a documented disability.

Schaer said services offered through the program include personal counseling, academic counseling, academic seminars, resources for success, financial literacy, cultural activities, social activities, grade checks, tutoring, award ceremonies, and supplemental grant aid.

“We encourage our students to come to us with any problem, or if they just want to chat. Sometimes, having someone listen is the best medicine,” Schaer said.

She said students enrolled in the program are from as far away as New York, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii.

“The different backgrounds and ethnicities make the program fun and exciting and allow students to grow and learn from each other. Learning about new cultures gives students a great insight into the world and what is out there,” Schaer said.

Schaer said when she and the staff plan trips to regional sites, they assess possible attractions and select educational options they think will interest the students. Group trips have included the ropes course and Riverside Zoo in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, the Minuteman Missile site near Wall, South Dakota, the Badlands, Reptile Gardens, Bear Country, Mount Rushmore, Keystone, and the Crazy Horse sculpture.

“Our best recruiters to the program are our current students. Many are Eagle Leaders and mentors and encourage new students to join by sharing their experiences and how the program has helped them. Athletes are also a huge support to the program,” Schaer said. “Faculty, staff, and current students are huge factors with the success of the program. They encourage students to join and use the resources provided.”

Schaer added that the Project Strive staff, Amanda Lewin and Sonja Dressel, deserve recognition for the hard work and connections they make with students.

“Both of them are always coming up with new and exciting ways to get and keep students involved. This program would not be as successful as it is without them. Dr. Rhine, Dr. Powell, and the Deans have also been great supporters,” Schaer said.