My name is Anna Maria Clark and I have been an Academic Advisor in the TRIO/Student Support Services Program for almost 9 years.
I previously worked at Grand Valley for 9 years as the Assistant Director of the TRIO/Upward Bound Program and that is when I fell in love with TRIO and its mission. TRIO is a set of federally funded programs that provides supportive services to students whose parents did not pursue and earn a bachelor’s degree (first generation) and are income eligible (receiving a Pell Grant). Because it’s federally funded, you’re able to find TRIO programs all over the country and that is what makes us such a rich successful set of programs. We work together to ensure students reach their academic goals.
My work with students in the TRIO/SSS program is focused on academic advising, planning and preparation for transfer to four-year institutions, and the exploration of opportunities and resources for Study Abroad. I have also developed volunteer opportunities for students through the collaborative efforts of many community and educational partners – from the Children’s Museum, Kids Food Basket, Baxter Community Center, and our new international effort to support The Power of Education School in Haiti. For the past eight years, I’ve coordinated the GRCC and Michigan Tech partnership (MICUP) which provides a resident summer-long immersion program including fully-funded research opportunities for GRCC students. It has always been my passion to help students widen their worldviews and perspectives through a depth and breadth of new, educational and life experiences they may otherwise miss,
My own academic journey started in Chile where I attended the Universidad de Chile, Reifshneider School of Photography and CET (Center for Tourism Studies). I moved to the United States where I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a minor in Health Education followed by my Masters Degree in Social Work. Along the way while going to school I had the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of work experiences from the factory to teaching migrant workers, community work at the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, court interpreting and TRIO.
My family is divided between Chile and the United States. I love traveling, reading, and discovering the amazing opportunities that are out there for our students.
I would like to invite you to stop by and learn more about our program and all the possibilities it might open for you!
