Student support services program, serving 172 students, impacting persistence, academic standing and graduation rates for low income, first generation and disabled students at columbia college, MO.

Columbia College received a $286,108 Project Grant from the Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education under the TRIO Student Support Services Program (CFDA 84.042) effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. The award funds comprehensive student support services targeting 172 low-income, first-generation, and disabled students at the institution's Columbia, Missouri campus. Services delivered through this grant are designed to enhance student persistence, improve academic standing, and increase graduation rates through academic counseling, financial literacy instruction, and other supportive interventions aligned with the program's core objective of facilitating successful completion of postsecondary education.

The Student Support Services Program provides a five-year grant structure with annual continuation awards subject to availability of funds and demonstrated progress toward project objectives. This award represents one component of Columbia College's broader TRIO portfolio, which includes additional Department of Education grants supporting disadvantaged student populations through educational opportunity centers and other student success initiatives.