Millikin university great start-great finish college success program: a trio student support services program

Millikin University received a $272,364 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education under the TRIO Student Support Services program (CFDA 84.042) effective September 25, 2025, with completion targeted for September 24, 2026. The Great Start-Great Finish College Success Program delivers comprehensive supportive services to disadvantaged college students at the institution's Decatur, Illinois campus, including academic advising, tutoring, financial literacy instruction, career counseling, and retention assistance. These services target low-income students, first-generation college students, students with disabilities, and other underrepresented populations to enhance their academic success, increase retention and graduation rates, and facilitate their progression through postsecondary education.

The TRIO Student Support Services program operates nationally as a five-year grant initiative, with continuation awards made annually subject to fund availability and demonstrated progress. Individual awards within the program typically range from approximately $233,000 to $545,000, with institutions generally serving 100-300 students annually. Millikin's award aligns with the program's statutory objectives to improve institutional climate, foster student financial and economic literacy, and support the successful completion of postsecondary education programs across multiple student populations.