EL camino college proposes a support program to improve outcomes for 120 first-generation, low-income, and disabled stem majors

El Camino College received a $272,364 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education (CFDA 84.042) under the TRIO Student Support Services program, effective September 25, 2025 through September 24, 2026. The grant supports a comprehensive student support program designed to improve academic outcomes and retention for approximately 120 first-generation, low-income, and disabled STEM majors at the institution. Services delivered under this award include on-campus tutoring, academic advising, career counseling, financial aid assistance, and educational workshops intended to increase retention and graduation rates while fostering an institutional climate that supports student success across these disadvantaged populations.

The TRIO Student Support Services program operates on five-year grant cycles with annual continuation awards made subject to fund availability and demonstrated progress toward objectives. El Camino College's award represents one of multiple federal grant initiatives the institution has undertaken to support student success, including two TRIO SSS awards totaling $544,728 as of September 2025, complementing the college's broader portfolio of federal workforce development and postsecondary education support activities funded by the Department of Education and National Science Foundation.