East central university's student support services program

East Central University received a $544,727 Project Grant award effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026, 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 comprehensive supportive services designed to enhance retention and completion rates for disadvantaged college students, including low-income students, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities. Services delivered through this award include on-campus tutoring, academic advising, career counseling, financial aid assistance, and student development workshops that foster institutional climate improvements and increase transfer rates from two-year to four-year institutions.

The program also emphasizes support for historically underrepresented student populations, including limited English proficient students, students from underrepresented groups in postsecondary education, and disconnected students such as those experiencing homelessness or aging out of the foster care system. Additionally, the grant supports financial and economic literacy initiatives to enhance student success. This award represents continuation funding within a five-year grant cycle, with annual continuation awards subject to fund availability and demonstrated progress toward program objectives.