Hey y'all,

The U.S. Department of Education Federal TRIO Programs are federal outreach services targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities. Eastern Kentucky University's TRIO Student Support Service "NOVA Program" was first funded in 1975 and has been serving the students of Appalachia ever since. This program is the embodiment of found family, support, and resilience. They are funded to serve 206 students per year but with a mere four member staff exceed their call and serve 280 students each year. 

I write to you today to say that this program is in grave danger. The Eastern Progress, the EKU Student News Publication recently reported "NOVA program students rally against forced exodus": Linked here.

Please take your time to read the article. If you are affiliated with EKU you may take part in a petition linked on the publication. 

Federal grants hinge on a collaborative and supportive institutional host environment- and unfortunately EKU's commitment to the 47 year program is up for question. For over 30 years, this program has operated from the historical Turley House. It is a commitment to the program to provide this space for the myriad of services that the EKU NOVA program offers. Most devastating in this exodus, students lose dedicated space for student study, student lounge, and a fully operating kitchen to gather around meals- truly a rare and comforting space for students from similar backgrounds to gather together and revel in their community and fellowship. In particular, the home brings comfort to so many students who may experience marginal housing or homelessness. 

In the article you will learn that the program is being moved to the repurposed dormitory building with little space and is hardily fitting for a program meant to support the retention, success, and graduation completion of the underserved student populations that NOVA works so diligently to support. Please share your support of this program with others in the TRIO Family because we know that TRIO WORKS! Share with family, friends, and importantly, tag Eastern Kentucky University when you do so to let them hear the PEOPLE speak! 

What can you do? 

• Sign this petition! 
• Post your support of the NOVA Program on social media

Thank you all! 

Paris Nelson

Former EKU NOVA Staff and Passionate supporter of the passionate, brave, and inspiring NOVA students who are CLAIMING their space and making their voices HEARD! I am so very proud of each and every NOVA student.