Student support services - to increase the college retention and graduation rates of eligible students and increase the transfer rate from two-year to four-year institutions

Kankakee Community College District #520 received a $348,514 Project Grant award 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 supportive services designed to enhance college retention and graduation rates among eligible students, particularly low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities. The program also aims to increase transfer rates from two-year to four-year institutions by strengthening academic potential, financial literacy, and overall student success outcomes.

Under this grant, Kankakee Community College will deliver integrated support services on its Kankakee, Illinois campus to disadvantaged college students enrolled in postsecondary education programs. These services are structured to address barriers to student persistence and completion, thereby enhancing the institution's capacity to support underserved populations in achieving postsecondary education goals and facilitating successful transitions to four-year degree programs.