KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney has been awarded nearly $1.8 million in federal funding to maintain a vital program that provides additional support services for students.
The U.S. Department of Education recently approved the TRIO Student Support Services grant application, allocating $353,851 in annual funding over the next five years. This award allows UNK to serve more than 200 students each year, helping them succeed in college and beyond.
“This grant will allow us to provide individualized support to students who are first-generation, income-eligible and those with documented disabilities as they work toward earning an undergraduate degree at UNK. As we head into our 32nd year of TRIO Student Support Services at UNK, we’re excited to continue building relationships with our amazing participants while positively impacting their futures,” said Rashawn Harvey, a former TRIO student who serves as director of the program at UNK.
Student Support Services is one of eight Federal TRIO Programs designed to improve access to higher education and promote academic achievement for individuals from low-income families, first-generation college students and those with documented disabilities. Students must demonstrate an academic need and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to qualify.
The program offers a range of academic and personal support services and resources, including:
- Four-year academic planning
- Academic success strategies and tutoring referrals
- Advising and enrollment assistance
- Financial literacy and financial aid education
- A general education course to help with the transition to college
- Peer mentoring
- Career development opportunities
- Life and academic coaching
- Graduate school exploration
More than 1,600 students served by TRIO have graduated from UNK since the program was launched here in 1993.
“TRIO Student Support Services changes lives. We’re not just helping students graduate – we’re helping them achieve their dreams,” said Aaron Estes, senior director of the Loper Success Hub on campus. “We’re proud to continue serving these students, thanks to the hard work of the TRIO team, Division of Research and Creative Activity, Academic Resources and Institutional Research, Financial Aid Office, our partners in Student Affairs and many others who were involved in the successful grant application.”
