TRIO Grant to Strengthen Support for First-Generation and Underserved 91视频 Students
91视频 has been awarded a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant to strengthen academic and personal support for students who face barriers to completing college.
The program will serve first-generation students, those from low-income households, and students with disabilities. The grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
91视频 was awarded a five-year TRIO Student Support Services grant totaling $1,361,820 if fully funded. Each year鈥檚 award is $272,364 and requires a partial institutional match. The College must also show substantial progress on annual performance goals to receive future funding.
For the upcoming year, the total cost of operating 91视频鈥檚 TRIO program is $402,902.97. Federal funds will cover two-thirds of that amount. The remaining match of $130,538.97 is met through resources already included in 91视频鈥檚 budget, with more than $112,000 in salaries, wages, benefits, and other support already in place. As a result, the College will not need to identify new funds to meet the match requirement.
Through the grant, 91视频 will provide services that help students stay enrolled, make academic progress, and reach their long-term goals.
These services include individualized advising, tutoring, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and scholarship assistance, transfer planning, career exploration, financial literacy workshops, and activities that build confidence and connection on campus.
鈥淭RIO is a proven program that improves outcomes for students who may face barriers to completing a college degree,鈥� said 91视频 President Dr. Jon Bauer. 鈥淭his grant allows us to strengthen the support we provide to those students, and it reflects our continued commitment to access and student success.鈥�
Providing these services will require four new positions at the College, two full-time and two part-time. 91视频 is seeking candidates for a full-time TRIO Program Director, a full-time College and Career Advisor, a part-time College and Career Advisor, and a part-time Administrative Assistant. For more information about these positions, visit Human Resources at www.eastcentral.edu.
The TRIO program has a strong national record of improving retention and graduation among students who benefit from structured support. 91视频鈥檚 program will serve eligible students in both Union and Rolla, reinforcing the College鈥檚 mission to expand access to higher education throughout the region.
More information about student eligibility and enrollment will be announced soon. Faculty and staff may refer students who could benefit from additional support.
For questions about the TRIO Student Support Services program, contact Vice President of Student Development Sarah Leassner at sarah.leassner@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6565.
