Darianne Meacham, a senior nursing major and participant in Westminster College’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program, was awarded a $750 scholarship from the Pennsylvania Association of TRIO programs (PA TRIO).

A resident of Erie, Pa., and a graduate of Meadville Area Senior High School, Meacham is one of 13 students awarded the scholarship. Six are awarded in the college category and six are awarded in the high school/ precollege category.

“I am truly honored to be a recipient of this TRIO scholarship. Any little bit of help, especially the help TRIO has been able to provide me, truly makes a difference in helping me achieve my career dreams,” said Meacham, who is drawn to pediatric, labor and delivery, and emergency room nursing.

In addition to regularly participating in the TRIO program, Meacham is also a dean’s list student, has served as a peer success coach, is a member of the Student Nursing Association and was a member and former captain of the Westminster College cheerleading team.

Following graduation and passing the nursing board exams, Meacham will be working at UPMC Hamot in Erie where she interned during the summer.

PA TRIO’s mission is to engage Pennsylvania TRIO program personnel in professional and leadership development, legislative affairs, increased communication, collaboration and support of student success and lifelong learning. Scholarships are given to selected college students who are nominated by their institution’s TRIO programs to assist with the cost of tuition and other expenses.

Westminster’s federally funded TRIO SSS program provides services and resources to first-generation, income-eligible students and those with disabilities to ensure they successfully navigate their college education. TRIO scholars have access to academic tutoring, academic success and wellness coaching to promote classroom achievement and personal wellbeing, support for learning and other disabilities, and career and college mentoring.

To learn more about Westminster’s TRIO SSS program, please contact Erik Austin, director, at austined@westminster.edu or visit www.westminster.edu/trio.

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