Williamsburg Technical College Trio Program Makes a Difference

During these tough economic times many federal programs are on the chopping block.  Some are deservingly so, but there are those tried and true programs that prove their worth and make a tangible difference to society.  The Williamsburg Technical College Trio program (a federal program to increase access to higher education for economically disadvantaged students) is one such federally-funded grant program that has proven its effectiveness but is in danger as the economy worsens.

At the recent Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (SAEOPP) conference, there was a showcase of Trio achievers who, because of Trio programs (specifically Educational Talent Search, Student Support Services and Upward Bound at Williamsburg Technical College), had gone on to college, graduated and are now making great contributions to our society.  They all heralded the role and impact that Trio Programs played in their lives and successes.  

Williamsburg Technical College had one such Trio achiever recognized for his accomplishments at the conference. Doward Harvin, a recent graduate of South Carolina State University and the University of South Carolina’s School of Law, is currently a practicing attorney with the Sabb Law Firm in Kingstree.  Harvin was nominated by WTC’s Upward Bound director, Geraldine Shaw, to be recognized at the conference as a 2010 Trio achiever. 

In a recent interview with Harvin, he described his experience in the WTC Upward Bound program, explaining how he was a typical teenager and didn’t have the highest of expectations for himself.   He did just enough school work to keep his parents off his back.   He was content with the prospects of getting a job and living off the hourly wage he thought was “big money” at the time.  He was nearly expelled from school and academics were not high on his list of priorities. 

His parents saw promise in him and enrolled him in the Upward Bound program.  His first year participating in the program was a lot like the extension of a school day with some exceptions, such as participating in cultural activities, visiting area colleges, and getting a monthly stipend that allowed him extra money to get some of the things that he wanted. 

His most memorable experience, however, was when Upward Bound director at the time Dr. Eric Brown and Upward Bound counselor at the time Neilson Hilton engaged him in a game of basketball.  He was impressed by the interaction between these professional men and himself.  This was the turning point in his expectations for his future. He took advantage of the Upward Bound program and what it had to offer.  He participated in the tutoring component, academic enrichment, college tours, out-of-state trips, culture hour experience, and other activities afforded him.  He soon shed his shyness and improved his behavior in school.  He realizes even now that he was not the perfect participant but he was one of the most improved participants.

Harvin is now a strong advocate for the Upward Bound program.  He is a testimony to what the program offers and to the impact the program has on the lives and futures of many young people.  He attributes much of his success in life to his biological family, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Harvin, and to his Williamsburg Technical College Upward Bound family.

For more information on how to participate in the Upward Bound program at Williamsburg Technical College, call 843.355.4175 or email shawg@wiltech.edu.