Western connecticut state university - student support services

Western Connecticut State University received a $272,364 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 25, 2025, through September 24, 2026. The award supports comprehensive student support services designed to enhance retention and graduation rates for disadvantaged student populations, including low-income students, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities.

Under this award, the university will deliver on-campus tutoring, academic advising, career counseling, financial aid assistance, and educational workshops tailored to increase student success and persistence in postsecondary education. The SSS program operates on five-year grant cycles with annual continuation awards subject to demonstrated progress and fund availability. The services provided through this funding are expected to serve a student population in the range of 100-300 students annually and may include targeted support tracks for specific student populations such as those with limited English proficiency, historically underrepresented groups, and other disconnected students, consistent with the program's mission to foster institutional climates that support equitable student outcomes.