Students who are part of the POWER Center at Minot State University are thrilled with a new study space on the third floor of the Student Center.

“I don’t even recognize it!” said Allayna Nering, a senior. “It’s wonderful. I like how the colors are bright, but bright pastels.”

Brian Moriel, a sophomore, was studying at a computer in the area that has been dubbed “The Learning Loft.”

Nehring immediately tried out the window seat.

The space is in the old Red & Green student newspaper office at Minot State. The student newspaper was relocated and the old office space was remodeled thanks to a generous federal TRIO SSS grant.

The study area provides students with computers, study tables, study carrels and a multisensory corner that director Holly Major said might suit students who have disabilities or just want a quiet area to focus.

Students can gather for study groups or study individually in an environment that best suits their needs. The third floor is accessible by elevator, so it is also easily accessible by students with disabilities.

Moriel, Nering and junior Mindy Nehring are all enrolled in the POWER program. POWER is an acronym for Providing Opportunities with Enhanced Resources. It is a federally funded program intended to help at- risk students succeed at the college level. Students are eligible for the program if their taxable income is within 150 percent of low income guidelines, if they have a documented disability, or if neither of their parents has earned a four- year college degree.

Students in the program are eligible for different types of assistance, such as preregistering for the classes they want to take before other students on campus. They also arrive on campus a week early, which helps them to get settled in and become familiar with the campus and meet other students in the program.

Workshops on topics such as learning styles, study skills and stress management are also offered for students in the program. They also receive extra support from advisers.

The study space on the third floor will be open only to students in the POWER program.

Holly Major, director of the POWER Center, said the federal grants will total about $2.2 million over a five-year period and will help pay for staffing as well as for renovations.

The POWER Center received a federal grant in 2011 that paid for a a new office space, according to Major. That grant was renewed and the center also received a second federal grant that focuses on aiding students with disabilities.