D.O.E. grant to support low-income families

UGA recently announced a grant from the U.S. Department of Education that will help support first-generation and college students from low-income families. Beginning in September, UGA will receive funding distributed over the next five years under the Federal TRIO's Student Support Services Program:

The Federal TRIO Programs are outreach and student services programs that provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds at colleges nationwide. TRIO-named for the three programs of Upward Bound, Talent Search and Student Support Services at its original inception in the 1960s-includes eight programs that 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 who oversee TRIO projects.

At UGA, TRIO includes Student Support Services, Upward Bound and Talent Search, which collectively encourage access to higher education for low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities. The Student Support Services grant will provide academic development and assistance with basic college requirements to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants.

This is an important diversity effort for every aspect of learning on our campus and many others. But it is also a crucial development for the state and families who want to attend UGA but might not be as familiar with the details of the academic pipeline, a process that begins well before high school. Great news and we look forward to a continually widening array of fresh young faces on campus in the years to come