Trio-SSS center: center for academic and personal support

Award: TRIO Student Support Services (CFDA 84.042)

Awardee: Gaston College

Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education

Award Amount: $272,364

Award Period: September 1, 2025 – August 31, 2026

Gaston College received a one-year Project Grant of $272,364 to establish the TRIO-SSS Center: Center for Academic and Personal Support at its Dallas, North Carolina campus. The grant funds the delivery of comprehensive Student Support Services to disadvantaged college students, including low-income students, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities. The center provides supportive services designed to enhance student retention, improve academic potential, increase graduation rates, and facilitate transfer pathways from two-year to four-year institutions.

The TRIO Student Support Services program operates under the authorization of the Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education and represents a continuation of the college's commitment to student success and workforce development. The funded services focus on addressing educational barriers, providing financial literacy support, and delivering academic coaching and personal development resources that enable disadvantaged students to successfully complete their postsecondary education programs. This award aligns with the broader mission of the North Carolina Community College System Office to enhance educational opportunities and support economic growth across North Carolina.