EvCC receives $2.6 million in grants for TRiO program
Press Release
Release Date: August 17, 2020
Contact: Kesia Ceniceros, Associate Dean, TRiO Student Support Services, 425-388-9086; kceniceros@everettcc.edu
EVERETT, Wash. – The U.S. Department of Education has awarded two federal grants totaling $2.6 million for Everett Community College’s TRiO Student Support Services and STEM programs.
The college will receive $261,888 per year for each program for the next five years. The funding ensures both programs, initially funded in 2015, will continue to serve 260 students each year.
“TRiO plays an integral role on the EvCC campus because it provides a highly structured environment that supports motivated students to overcome barriers, resulting in more students succeeding,” said Kesia Ceniceros, EvCC Associate Dean of TRiO Student Support Services, who participated in TRiO when she was a college student.
The Student Support Services and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Student Support Services programs help college students who are first-generation, low-income or have a disability stay in college and graduate.
The programs offer students free personalized academic planning, transfer advising, major and career advising, tutoring, college visits, scholarship and financial aid resources and cultural and educational events. The STEM program provides additional opportunities and support for students in STEM fields.
“Each time I remember TRiO, I can't hold my tears. They were a family for me, not just a staff or a program that supports students,” said EvCC 2018 graduate Marwa Alwattar. “Honestly, I used to run to TRiO any time I feel I need help or was not sure where to go to ask for help.”
More than 202,000 students are served by 1,069 Student Support Service programs at colleges and universities nationwide. Recent studies of Student Support Services found that program participation resulted in higher rates of student retention and transfer, improved grade point averages and credit accumulation. Program participants are also more likely to complete a college degree.
For more information about EvCC’s TRiO program or to apply, visit EverettCC.edu/TRiO.
About TRiO
TRiO is a set of federally-funded college opportunity programs that motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of a college degree. More than 800,000 low-income, first-generation students and students with disabilities — from sixth grade through college graduation — are served by over 3,100 programs nationally. TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, and other supports necessary for educational access and retention. TRIO programs provide direct support services for students, and relevant training for directors and staff.