North Central State College Receives Five Year Renewal of TRiO Grant Totaling $1.1 Million

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North Central State College has been awarded a $1.1 million TRiO Grant ($220,000 a year for five years) to provide intensive support services to 140 students each year who are low income, and/or first generation college students, and/or students with disabilities.

Ashley Benson, Director of TRiO Student Support Services at NC State was excited to receive the news, “We have a great staff that works so hard to provide support for the students we serve. This award allows us to continue that work, not only in support of their education, but showing them how they fit into our community and make a difference.”

Dorey Diab, President of North Central State College is excited that TRiO will continue to serve students, “Ashley and the TRiO team have provided tremendous support for hundreds of students over the past 5 years. Each spring, we celebrate the success of TRiO participants, and hear stories of what that support means to continuing students, and those who are going to graduate. Not only are students engaged and appreciative, they’re accomplishing their goals by raising their educational level and becoming stronger contributing members of our community.”

All TRiO Student Support Services projects must provide:

• Academic tutoring, which may include instruction in reading, writing, study skills, mathematics, science, and other subjects;

• Advice and assistance in postsecondary course selection, assist student with information on both the full range of student financial aid programs, benefits and resources for locating public and private scholarships; and

• Assistance in completing financial aid applications.

• Education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy and assist students enrolled in two-¬year institutions and applying for admission to, and obtaining financial assistance for enrollment in four¬-year programs.

• Mentoring programs, securing temporary housing during breaks for students who are homeless youths and students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system.

• The SSS projects may also provide individualized counseling for personal, career, and academic information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint students with career options; exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available.

What is TRiO?

The Federal TRiO Programs (TRiO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRiO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post -baccalaureate programs. TRiO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRiO projects.

TRiO Student Support Services

Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, to assist students with basic college requirements, and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. Student Support Services (SSS) projects also may provide grant aid to current SSS participants who are receiving Federal Pell Grants. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants.