NEWS RELEASE
Date:
Contact:
October 7, 2011
Vincent Nix, PhD
START Coordinator
ISU College of Technology
(208) 282-4359
LARGE GRANT ENCOURAGES HIGHER EDUCATION THROUGH NEW PROGRAM
POCATELLO – The Idaho State University College of Technology’s newest pilot program is performing well above
national averages after receiving a $1.2 million grant earlier this year to start the project. The Successful
Transitions and Retention Track (START) was created through funding made possible by The J.A. and Kathryn
Albertson Foundation Continuous Enrollment Initiative.
The START program began accepting students in May, and is already boasting successful student retention
numbers that are more than five times the national average.
START focuses on providing social and academic support for GED students who are working on pursuing a higher
education. The free program is open to current or past GED students and prepares participants for college
through specialized math and English workshops and sessions on budgeting and financial aid. The 15 week pre-
college program also provides mental health and career counseling and awards each participant with a $1,500
scholarship upon completion of the first phase. Following the first phase of the START program, each participant
will then focus on obtaining their degree.
Dr. Vincent Nix, the coordinator of START says, “We are helping students to overcome the obstacles and barriers
involved with furthering their education. Many of these students are first generation college students and we
actively work to involve their families to help support them.”
Nationally only about 16% of GED students who attempt college will make it through the first year. The START
program at ISU currently has a retention rate of 83% and attributes their success to a major focus on building
confidence in those who struggle with education. For more information about the START program contact Dr.
Vincent Nix at (208) 282-4359 or go to www.isu.edu/start.
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