Oakton college trio SSS program: supporting first-generation, low-income, and/or students with disabilities to meet their educational goals through intrusive advising, tutoring and support

Oakton Community College received a $362,503 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 program delivers comprehensive supportive services to first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities enrolled at the college's Des Plaines, Illinois campus. Key services include intrusive academic advising, tutoring, and integrated support designed to enhance student retention, graduation rates, and successful transfer to four-year institutions.

The TRIO SSS Program at Oakton Community College aims to strengthen the academic potential and overall postsecondary success of disadvantaged students through targeted interventions and personalized support. By providing these services, the college seeks to increase educational access and completion rates for underrepresented populations while facilitating student progression within the higher education pipeline. This one-year award supports the college's broader institutional mission of enhancing educational opportunities for diverse student populations through federally funded initiatives.