Lake Region State College has been notified that its TRiO Student Support Services program received continued funding to serve students.
Through a grant competition, funds are awarded to institutions of higher education to provide opportunities for academic development, 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.
This grant will be in the amount of $294,716.00 for the first budget period (09/01/2020 through 08/31/2021). It is anticipated that the grant will be for a total of five years. Lake Region State College serves 160 students in its TRiO program each year.
The TRiO program has been part of Lake Region State College since 2001. The purpose of TRiO Student Support Services Program (SSS) is to provide academic and other support services to low-income, first-generation or disabled college students to increase students’ retention and graduation rates, facilitate their transfer from two-year to four-year colleges, and foster an institutional climate supportive of the success of low-income and first generation college students and individuals with disabilities.
“Student-service focused – that is what we are,” said Dr. Cathleen Ruch, director of LRSC’s TRiO program.
Through the years, Lake Region State College realized the impact the TRiO had on student success. Administration also saw the need for tutoring, career advising, test proctoring, and other services was evident with more of the student population. Knowing the success TRiO has with its students, LRSC administration invested and enhanced services with the PowerSkills Center, providing similar services to the TRiO program to students who aren’t eligible for services from TRiO.
“The two programs are located near each other and work closely with students, creating a win-win situation,” said LRSC President Doug Darling.
Authority for this program is contained in Title IV, Part A, Subpart 2, Chapter 1, Section 402D of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education or
combinations of institutions of higher education.