WYE MILLS — Chesapeake College has been named a recipient of the inaugural Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) Award for Institutional Effectiveness, recognizing its leadership in integrating TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) practices across the institution to support student success in rural communities.

Supported by ECMC Foundation, the award includes a $10,000 grant and recognizes institutions that have transformed proven TRIO strategies into institution-wide systems that drive measurable student success: mentoring, academic coaching, and holistic advising.

The award honors colleges that have successfully scaled TRIO strategies, such as holistic advising, transfer planning, and cross-departmental collaboration, into institution-wide systems that improve student outcomes.

“I am extremely pleased with this national level recognition for our service and support of students.  It demonstrates the care and teamwork our staff and faculty exhibit every day at Chesapeake,” said Chesapeake College President Clifford P. Coppersmith.

At Chesapeake, TRIO-informed practices have been embedded into advising, transfer services, and student support systems, significantly increasing student engagement and transfer success.

“Chesapeake College serves a community where access to higher education can be transformative not just for individuals, but for entire families,” said Anne Shepard, grants specialist at Chesapeake College. “By integrating TRIO practices into our advising and student support systems, we are helping students set ambitious goals and achieve them.”

The college has seen substantial increases in student success, including a more than 100% increase in transfer advising participation and significant growth in transfer rates to four-year institutions.

“Chesapeake College demonstrates the power of TRIO in rural America,” said COE President Kimberly Jones. “Their work ensures that students on Maryland’s Eastern Shore have access to the same opportunities for success as students anywhere in the country.”

“By embedding TRIO strategies into advising, transfer pathways, and student services, Chesapeake College has created a model that strengthens both individual outcomes and regional economic mobility,” said Aaron Brown, executive vice president of COE.

“Chesapeake’s focus on holistic advising and aspirational goal-setting reflects the core of TRIO’s mission,” added Nicole Norfles, COE director of program practice and innovation. “Their work shows how even institutions with limited resources can scale impact through intentional design.”

Serving five counties across Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Chesapeake College plays a vital role in expanding access to higher education in a largely rural region. Its partnerships with local high schools, workforce programs, and four-year institutions ensure that students have clear pathways to transfer, careers, and long-term success.

To learn more about the Federal TRIO Program, Student Support Services, visit coenet.org.