The U.S. Department of Education today announced an additional $23.4 million in Student Support Services grants to more than 100 institutions in 36 states, aimed at helping college students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds succeed in higher education.
Today's announcement comes less than a month after the Department announced the initial round of Student Support Services awards totaling $270 million for 968 institutions in all 50 states.
"We were fortunate to be able to provide additional assistance to colleges and universities to help give students the extra push they may need to graduate from college," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "These grants provide critical help and encouragement along students' college journey, enabling them to reach their personal goals and contribute to the economic vitality of our nation." Typical projects include providing students with academic tutoring, assistance in course selection, information about financial aid and economic literacy, and support and resources, as well as helping students transfer from two- to four-year colleges or from undergraduate to graduate or professional studies.
Projects may also offer: individualized counseling and career guidance, exposure to cultural events, mentoring, and housing assistance during school breaks for those who are homeless or in foster care. This is one of seven Federal TRIO Programs, which provide outreach and student services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, low income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities, foster care youth or homeless children and youth—to help them progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.
Read more at The U.S. Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/college-students-36-states-benefit-extra-234-million-student-support-services-grants-focused-success-higher-education