Southwestern community college trio student support services grant

Southwestern Community College received a $325,051 Project Grant from the U.S. 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. The award funds comprehensive support services designed to enhance postsecondary educational outcomes for disadvantaged students, including low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities. The program delivers targeted interventions focused on increasing student retention and graduation rates, facilitating transfers from two-year to four-year institutions, improving financial literacy, and strengthening overall academic potential and success.

The College will implement SSS services at its Creston, Iowa campus to support student success through academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and other retention-focused services. As part of the TRIO Programs portfolio, this grant supports the federal priority of expanding postsecondary education access and completion for underrepresented populations. The annual award is subject to continuation based on demonstrated progress toward project objectives and compliance with grant conditions, consistent with the program's standard five-year funding cycle.