Anthony Mangrum is one of millions who have been laid off during the global pandemic. No stranger to adversity – he grew up in foster care, is a war veteran, and raised three children as a single dad – Mangrum took the opportunity to “reinvent himself.” He pursued a degree at Lone Star College-University Park, thanks in part to a new federal grant-funded program designed for students like him.

“I'm 50 years old, healthy, and I love to learn, but there are still challenges that come with going back to school at my age,” said Mangrum. “I had lots of anxiety about going back, but I trusted there’d be help.”

That help came from LSC-University Park’s $1.3 million, five-year StepUP TRiO program, which provides qualifying students – those who are the first in their family to pursue college, as well as those with low incomes or who have disabilities – access to a combination of services to support their success. StepUP’s focus is to keep participants on track toward graduation and a career, as well as to assist with options for university transfer. 

“Students in the StepUP program have access to a mentor, in- and out-of-classroom research tools, and overall help with navigating college,” explained Leslie Machado, StepUP TRiO program manager at LSC-University Park. “Our students have come so far on their own, but this program provides resources that will help them go even further – so that they can ultimately reach their degree and career goals.”

Throughout the program, students are connected with a dedicated adviser who walks with them throughout their college experience. One-on-one success coaching and advising is at the core, but StepUP offers more in-depth, personalized support with scholarships, financial literacy, transfer planning, college visits, career exploration, tutoring, leadership development and more.

Machado has a personal connection to the TRiO grant program as a first-generation college student and a TRiO grant alumna herself.  

“It’s why I’m in higher education in the first place,” she said. 

Through a TRiO grant program in junior high, Machado had early exposure to college through university tours and campus visits. She recalls opportunities to practice public speaking while attending college fairs and receiving SAT test prep support through a speed-reading class.

“These experiences were not even on my radar as a student, but they set me apart from my peers and opened new doors for me,” explained Machado. “The TRiO grant program is all about a personal connection. At LSC-University Park, we are very intentional with the attention given to each student.

“We take pride in serving a diverse population of students,” said LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan. “The personalized services and mentorships that are part of this grant empower our students to reach their goals and dreams. As the community’s college, we applied for and received this renewable grant to provide opportunities for underrepresented individuals to transform their lives. StepUP will increase access and success for these students.”

This is true for Mangrum, who credits the grant program for painting a bigger picture of his future. He has three semesters left to complete his Mechatronics Technician Associate of Applied Science degree, but he is already planning for what comes after graduation. 

“Before, I didn’t see how I would be able to make my way through college,” said Mangrum. “The StepUP program scooped me up, and right off the bat, helped me to see beyond an associate degree toward a bachelor’s degree. And maybe even more!”

Participation in the StepUP program is limited, so those interested are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. To learn more about the program and eligibility, as well as to apply, visit LoneStar.edu/StepUP.