© 2025 Iowa Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

UNI implements programs to support for low-income, first-generation and non-traditional students

Ways To Subscribe
Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Although the cost of college seems to always increase, a college graduate still earns more, on average, than someone who didn’t graduate. But some communities face barriers to earning a degree or obtaining needed training.

The path through higher education looks different for many students. The University of Northern Iowa has implemented incentives to reach low-income, first-generation and non-traditional students to help them earn a degree and provide support along the way. UNI President Mark Nook and Nickole Dillard, the director of TRIO programs at the Center for Urban Education (UNI-CUE) join Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe to talk about resources available to students.

Later in the hour, writer Benjamin Percy shares how his daughter’s search for female representation in coming-of-age movies inspired his screenplay of the James Ponsoldt-directed film Summering, which features four girls on the brink of middle school and realize their lives are about to change forever.

Guests:

  • Mark Nook, University of Northern Iowa president
  • Nickole Dillard, director of TRIO Educational Opportunity Center
  • Benjamin Percy, author and screenwriter
Charity Nebbe is IPR's<i> Talk of Iowa</i> host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts <i>Garden Variety</i> and <i>Unsettled</i>. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Samantha McIntosh is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Natalie Dunlap is an award-winning digital producer and writer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa. Since 2024, Dunlap has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's digital audience.