Iowa western community college trio-SSS: bridging gaps to college success for low-income and first-generation students

Iowa Western Community College received a $351,660 Project Grant award from the Office of Postsecondary Education, effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026, under the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program (CFDA 84.042). The program delivers comprehensive support services to low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities at the institution's Council Bluffs, Iowa campus. Key services include academic advising, financial literacy education, retention support, and transfer assistance designed to increase graduation rates and facilitate student progression from two-year to four-year institutions.

The SSS program at Iowa Western enhances postsecondary educational outcomes through targeted interventions that develop academic potential and overall student success. As a federally-funded initiative administered by the Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education, the award supports Iowa Western's commitment to bridging gaps in college access and completion for disadvantaged student populations. The one-year project period aligns with the standard funding cycle for SSS awards, which typically range from approximately $272,000 to $794,000 and are made to higher education institutions across the United States, including community colleges and public universities serving diverse student demographics.