WCU trio disabled student support services project

WCU TRIO Disabled Student Support Services Project Summary

Western Carolina University received a $272,364 Project Grant award dated September 25, 2025, from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education under the TRIO Student Support Services program (CFDA 84.042). The grant funds a comprehensive support services initiative specifically targeting college students with disabilities to enhance their academic success and retention. Through this award, WCU will deliver on-campus tutoring, academic advising, career counseling, financial aid assistance, and targeted workshops designed to increase graduation rates and facilitate student progression through postsecondary education programs.

The five-year grant period, running through September 24, 2026 (initial funding period), supports WCU's commitment to fostering an institutional climate that promotes the success of disadvantaged students, including those with disabilities. The program aligns with broader federal TRIO objectives to increase retention and graduation rates while improving students' financial and economic literacy. Services will be delivered through WCU's Graduate School and Research Division in Cullowhee, North Carolina, with anticipated support reaching 100-300 students annually, consistent with typical SSS program service delivery models across comparable four-year institutions.