PGCC President Dr. Dukes Wins National TRIO Achiever’s Award
Article by: Tabresha B. Langham
For Immediate Release
.jpg)
LARGO, Md. (September 13, 2018) – Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) President Dr. Charlene M. Dukes was selected as one of the 2018 National TRIO Achievers. The award will be presented by the Council for Opportunity in Education at the Annual Educational Opportunity Dinner taking place today in New York.
“It is an honor to be recognized as a National TRIO Achiever and be an example of how valuable these programs are for students,” exclaimed Dr. Dukes.
TRIO is a set of federally-funded college opportunity programs that motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree. The TRIO Achiever’s Award is presented to program alumni who have made significant or professional contributions and whose participation in the TRIO programs have had a significant impact on their goals towards higher education and success.
While in high school, Dr. Dukes participated in Upward Bound at St. Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Upward Bound is a TRIO program that focuses on creating a culture of college awareness for low income and underrepresented students in higher education. Shortly after obtaining her college degree, she began work at a higher education institution. Her work motivated her because she had the opportunity to work with students who reminded her of her own experience – students of color from low-income families but with a desire to succeed.
“I am thankful for programs like Upward Bound because it helped make college a reality for not only me, but also for my siblings,” said Dr. Dukes. “Education was very important to my parents, and sending seven of nine children to college would not have been a possibility were it not for this program.”
Programs like TRIO are invaluable to students who share Dr. Dukes’ childhood experiences. They give students the opportunity to realize their dreams of obtaining a college degree – including students at Prince George’s Community College.
“I am proud that students at Prince George’s Community College are able to participate in TRIO programs, and I hope that one day a former student can receive this same recognition.”
About Prince George’s Community College
Named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (2015-2020), Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) provides high-quality education and training for the progressive and career-oriented residents of Prince George’s County. From new high school graduates and career seekers to more seasoned professionals and senior citizens looking to enhance their skillsets, PGCC is comprised of students who represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and goals. Serving nearly 40,000 individuals annually, the college is the first choice for higher education for residents of Prince George’s County. Collaborative partnerships, responsive degree and training programs, and a commitment to student success enable PGCC to address diverse education and workforce development demands. For more information, visit the college website at www.pgcc.edu. Prince George’s Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; (267-284-5000); www.msche.org. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.