Education department funds TRIO 5 more years

The U.S. Department of Education has funded UofL's TRIO Student Support Services for another five years with a $1.1 million grant.

The program provides assistance to low-income, first-generation college students and/or students with disabilities to help them earn a bachelor’s degree. The program’s mission is to increase retention and graduation rates by offering academic, financial and personal support. The new grant cycle begins Sept. 1 and will conclude Aug. 31, 2020. “This was the toughest Student Support Services grant competition with the largest number of applicants ever made, so being refunded was no small accomplishment,” said Nadine Petty, director of TRIO Student Support Services. "Our program has grown in significant ways over the past few years and our refunding will ensure that we have resources necessary for continued program growth, to meet the needs of our students and to further impact their lives in noteworthy ways.” Participation is free for eligible students. During the year, students receive individual and group advising to foster positive study habits and academic success. Students can take advantage of a comfortable learning environment, financial counseling, leadership opportunities, cultural excursions and academic workshops. While the program will continue to serve its core group of students, its efforts will expand during the upcoming grant cycle to include assisting veteran students though a collaboration with the Office of Military and Veteran Services. New grant services also will focus on “difference education,” workshops and seminars facilitated by successful students whose social and demographic backgrounds are similar to those of TRIO SSS students. For additional on TRIO, visit http://louisville.edu/trio.