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The U.S. Department of Education has awarded William Paterson University two grants totaling more than $2.7 million through the TRIO-Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS) program.
Federal TRIO programs are designed to provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and include professional training for directors and staff of TRIO projects. William Paterson received two TRIO grants of $1,361,820—one through the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) General Grant program and a second through the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) STEM Grant Program. Both grants will be implemented across five consecutive years.
“William Paterson has a proven record of fostering student academic success by providing a comprehensive network of support resources that meet the unique needs of our students,” said President Richard J. Helldobler, “so we are grateful for this pair of TRIO grants, which will allow us to further leverage our expertise and better provide more students from disadvantaged backgrounds with a lifechanging education.”
The TRIO grants, which help ensure that students who are first-generation, low income, or have disabilities have equitable access to educational resources, align well with William Paterson University’s mission, which emphasizes a commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment focused on academic success for all students. This mission is reflected in the University's strategic initiatives, which prioritize student retention, graduation rates, and overall academic achievement.
Both grant programs feature academic and practical support structures. TRIO program staff will develop initiatives to address the economic constraints faced by low-income students, helping them navigate the financial aid system, providing assistance in applying for needed funds, and providing financial literacy support. Enhanced academic support services will include tailored academic advising, tutoring, and mentorship programs to address the unique needs of the students.
The federal TRIO–SSS program began in 1968 as one of the eight TRIO programs authorized by the Higher Education Act of 1965 to help college students succeed in higher education. It acknowledges that students without a family history of college, those from low-income households, and students with disabilities often face unique challenges that can stand in the way of success. TRIO–SSS works to remove those barriers.
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