University of arkansas fort smith student support services stem program

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith received a $272,364 Project Grant award from the Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education under the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program (CFDA 84.042) effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. This award funds comprehensive support services designed to enhance postsecondary educational outcomes for disadvantaged students, with a specific focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. The program provides targeted assistance to low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities to increase student retention, graduation rates, and academic success in higher education.

Through this funding, the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith delivers supportive services including academic advising, financial literacy education, and student success programming aimed at enhancing the potential of enrolled students to complete their postsecondary education programs. The STEM-focused approach positions the program to address both educational equity and workforce development needs within the region. As a continuation award under the TRIO SSS Program, this grant represents the university's ongoing commitment to supporting underserved student populations and demonstrates its track record of meeting grant conditions and making substantial progress toward program objectives.