Pikes peak state college's trio student support services: removing barriers in higher education for first-generation and low-income students

Pikes Peak State College received a $286,109 Project Grant award effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026, from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education under the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program (CFDA 84.042). This grant funds comprehensive support services designed to enhance postsecondary educational outcomes for disadvantaged students, specifically targeting first-generation and low-income student populations at the institution's Colorado Springs campus.

The award supports the delivery of student support services aimed at increasing retention and graduation rates while facilitating student transfers from two-year to four-year institutions. Key service components under this grant include academic advising, financial literacy instruction, and targeted interventions to enhance overall student success in higher education. The TRIO SSS Program operates on a five-year grant cycle with annual continuation awards contingent upon demonstrated progress toward stated objectives and availability of federal funds, though this particular award is structured for a one-year project period consistent with standard SSS grant cycles.