Last Updated on March 3, 2026 by Jordan Monaco
Pendleton, OR — Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) TRIO/Student Support Services (SSS) is proud to announce it has once again received a $7,000 technology grant from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Foundation. This marks the third consecutive year the CTUIR Foundation has invested in TRIO/SSS to help expand technology access and remove barriers to student success.
The grant will allow TRIO/SSS to purchase a variety of technology resources that directly support students in their coursework. In previous years, funding has been used to provide laptops, calculators, and other essential tools to students who may not otherwise have access to reliable technology. These resources help students complete assignments, participate in online learning, and stay on track academically.
TRIO/SSS serves more than 170 students at BMCC, most of whom are first-generation college students (neither parent obtained a bachelor degree), low income students and/or students with a documented disability.
“Reliable access to technology is no longer optional for college students — it is essential,” said Crystal Patton-Doherty, Project Director of TRIO/Student Support Services at BMCC. “This continued partnership with the CTUIR Foundation allows us to directly address barriers that can stand in the way of academic progress. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support and commitment to helping our students succeed.”
Access to dependable technology remains a critical factor in student retention and completion. Through this sustained investment, TRIO/SSS continues working to close the digital divide and ensure students have the tools they need to fully engage in their education.
TRIO/Student Support Services provides comprehensive academic support, including tutoring, study skills development, assistance with course selection, financial aid guidance, and scholarship applications. By strengthening access to essential resources, the program reinforces BMCC’s commitment to student achievement and educational opportunity. For more information about BMCC’s TRIO Student Support Services program, visit:
https://bluecc.edu/services/trio