AUBURN — The TRIO Student Support Services Program at Central Maine Community College has awarded nearly $12,000 in scholarships to 13 students this semester.

These scholarship recipients were selected in recognition of their achievements and determination to succeed at the college.

The federal TRIO program, created in 1965, focuses on assisting first-generation, low-income or disabled students to succeed in higher education. TRIO staff help students with academic advising, time and money management, financial aid, accessing college resources, and access to cultural enrichment opportunities. Now in its 21st year at CMCC, TRIO is a selective program whose goals are student persistence, academic achievement, graduation and transfer to a baccalaureate program.

The following TRIO scholarship recipients were honored at a reception held recently for them and their families: Mohamed Abdullahi, Suleka Abdulle, Hamda Ahmed, Hassan Alasow, Abduljabar Farah, Ruqaya Farah, Angelica Getchell, Hope Godin, Micayla Hill, Ekoko Louise, Barbara Olson, Melissa Potter and Kassie Schmidt.

TRIO Director Terry Charlton, left, presents a scholarship certificate to Hassan Alasow of Lewiston. Hassan is one of 13 students who received TRIO scholarships this year.