Increasing the number of disadvantaged, low-income, first generation college students and those college students with disabilities that complete programs of study at northeastern junior college

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education awarded Northeastern Junior College a TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant of $297,338 effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. Under CFDA 84.042, this project grant funds comprehensive supportive services designed to enhance academic success and increase program completion rates for disadvantaged students, specifically targeting low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities enrolled at the institution. The SSS program provides direct student support services including academic advising, tutoring, financial literacy education, and transfer support to facilitate student progression from two-year to four-year institutions.

Northeastern Junior College will deliver these services to eligible student populations at its Sterling, Colorado campus, leveraging federal funding to strengthen institutional capacity for supporting students facing socioeconomic and educational barriers. As a public two-year institution, the college implements evidence-based retention and completion strategies consistent with federal TRIO program objectives, which emphasize increasing postsecondary education access, affordability, and success outcomes for disadvantaged populations. The one-year project period is typical for SSS awards, with potential for continuation funding based on demonstrated progress toward established program objectives and compliance with grant conditions.