Having to take classes online in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t an easy thing for the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College’s TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program.
Many of its students — low-income veterans who are first-generation college students and at a higher risk of failing college courses — don’t have internet access or a computer at home. Some are homeless.
The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education and designed to help these veterans succeed in college, is figuring out the best way to serve them.
Assistant Director Linda Slater said she and her team compiled 60 printed packets of information that included assignments from instructors. Those were mailed to the veterans who are taking reading, writing, math and computer skills classes through the program.
“So far, we’re in contact with them. They’re doing the homework. They want to come back on campus. And it’s a way of helping them to have some activity during the day,” she said. “It’s just a way of us maintaining our relationship with the veterans. When this is over, and they’ll be able to come back on the campus, they won’t feel like it was just a day-by-day situation. It lets them know that we actually care.”
In addition, veterans active in the program receive a $40 monthly stipend, a bus pass and lunch passes. Those who stay active in the program by using those packets will continue to receive their stipends.
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