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Tech Opportunities Program (TOP)


TOP: TRIO Student Support Services

During the spring term all TOP services will be delivered remotely per the university's guidelines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.

Current TOP students:
  • Students will meet with their TOP Academic Specialists for regular advising appointments via phone, Zoom, text and e-mail. 
  • Tutoring services will be provided by the Peer Consulting Center online via Zoom. Read more.
  • Peer mentoring will be provided to current TOP students via text, e-mail and Zoom.
  • Academic workshops will be delivered in a webinar and video format.
  • Extra-curricular social events will be conducted via social media. Detailed communication regarding these efforts will be sent to all current TOP students' e-mails.
  • All TOP staff is available to assist students during regular work hours, Monday - Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Please use the contact section below reach out to any of the staff members. 
Prospective students:
  • Please use the "Apply" button below to submit a PDF application online.
  • Once submitted, our staff will contact your within a week to notify you of the next steps.
  • If you have any questions about your TOP application, please contact: Sarah Engelgau at 541 851 5179 or sarah.engelgau@oit.edu 

About TOP

We power the potential of first-generation students, low-income students, and students with disabilities. Our dedicated staff provides services and support in the following areas:

  • One-on-one and group tutoring
  • Academic, career, and financial aid planning
  • Peer mentoring and networking with other students
  • College success classes, faculty-led sessions, and workshops
  • Assistance with applying for financial aid, scholarships, and grants
  • Community building and cultural events




Trio Logo

Application


Support Programs

Bridge

The Summer Bridge program is designed to help non-traditional and transfer students transition to Oregon Tech. This free program takes place just before the start of the fall term and offers a great opportunity to meet Oregon Tech faculty, staff and students.

Student Success Seminars

Freshmen in TOP participate in a three-term student success seminar intended to foster their transition to Oregon Tech. The class is offered at no cost to students.

Workshops

We offer a wide variety of workshops on topics from financial literacy, study skills, and academics to career planning and professional development. We strive to offer at least one workshop a week throughout the academic year.

Financial Literacy

TOP students can access money management, budgeting, and financial planning tools and tips through the Owls' Worth Program. Additionally, TOP students have free access to SALT, which provides financial tutorials, templates, and strategies tailored specifically for college students. 


Meet TOP Graduates


Travis Thomas

Travis Thomas
Applied
Psychology

Justin Villes

Justin Villers
Renewable Energy
Engineering

Ashlei Morgan

Ashlei Morgan
Mechanical
Engineering

Sarah Levesque
Applied
Psychology

Meet More Graduates

Meet TOP Staff


Program Director

Michal Kawka

I am grateful for the opportunity to work with TOP students as they pursue their goals and dreams. It is truly an honor to witness their journey.  


Meet Michal

MichalKawka

Michal Kawka, Program Director

LRC 220
541.885.1128
541.885.1126
Email Michal

I help students find the best educational resources to fuel their potential and inspire their learning. I do this by listening, guiding, opening doors and asking big questions. My goal is to empower students to discover their passions and reach their goals.

I grew up in Poland and have lived in or traveled to more than 15 countries. I have a master’s degree in political science and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy.

Academic Specialist

Brianna Schwenk

I work side by side with students to encourage and support them through their time at Oregon Tech.

Meet Brianna

Brianna Schwenk 

Brianna Schwenk, Academic Specialist

LRC
541.885.1129
541.885.1126
Email Brianna

I work side by side with students to encourage and support them through their time at Oregon Tech. I am passionate about empowering students to reach their potential.

Office Manager

Sarah Engelgau

I am very glad for the opportunity to be a part of TOP Program and work with our team to support students.


Meet Sarah

SarahEngelgau

Sarah Engelgau, Office Manager

LRC 
541.851.5179
541.885.1126
Email Sarah

Sarah Engelgau moved to Klamath Falls from Portland when she was three years old. She has a seven year old daughter that keeps her busy, and on her toes all of the time. She is currently attending school for accounting at Klamath Community College and her goal after she’s finished at KCC is to continue her education with the online program through Oregon State University for business administration.

She absolutely loves Oregon, and enjoys being in the outdoors any chance she gets. She loves to travel with her daughter, and take her to new places, even if it’s a quick day trip somewhere. During her free time she enjoys photography, and spending time with her family. She is very glad for the opportunity to be a part of the Oregon Tech team, and excited for a new adventure.

Academic Specialist

Zach Jones 

I’m really excited to ‘pay it forward’ by continuing to support students throughout their journey here at Oregon Tech.


Meet Zach

Zach Jones 

Zach Jones, Academic Specialist

LRC 222
541.851.1631
541.885.1126
Email Zach

I am ecstatic to be working with TOP students as an Academic Specialist! As a first-generation college student and former TRiO student, I recognize firsthand the transformative power that TOP and programs like it possess in helping students achieve their personal and professional goals. So, I’m really excited to ‘pay it forward’ by continuing to support students throughout their journey here at Oregon Tech.

I have a bachelor’s degree in History from Western Oregon University and a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Portland State University. Born and raised in Coos Bay, OR, in my free time, I love to play guitar and explore southern Oregon with my partner and my french bulldog, Wesley.



Mission
FAQ
Funding
Assessment
 

Oregon Institute of Technology is an EO/Title IX/504/ADA Institution

Oregon Institute of Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender identity in its programs and activities. Questions or concerns regarding Oregon Tech’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to Maureen De Armond, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Title IX Compliance, and Affirmative Action (e: maureen.dearmond@oit.edu; p: 541-885-1108) or Tanya Coty, ADA Coordinator (e: tanya.coty@oit.edu; p: 541 885 1790).
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