NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – Westminster College has received a $1.3 million federal Trio Student Support Services grant to enhance college retention and graduation rates among first-generation college students, students with significant financial need and those with disabilities.
The college will receive $272,364 over the next five years for the continuation of its Trio SSS program – Trio Scholars – which offers targeted support and resources to help eligible students successfully navigate college and earn their degrees.
“The students we serve face multiple obstacles to their academic, personal and professional success, and we look forward to providing proven, data-driven support and coaching for our Trio scholars as they work to achieve their goals and prepare for life after college,” said Erik Austin, the college’s program director.
Through individualized services, including academic tutoring, financial and economic literacy education, scholarship guidance, career exploration and preparation, personal and academic counseling and mentoring and unique career and educational workshops and trips, TRIO SSS empowers students to overcome barriers to success. These comprehensive supports make it significantly more likely that students will complete their degree or successfully transfer, with the lowest possible debt, according to a news release.
Thirty percent of students enrolled at Westminster are identified as having significant financial need; 25 percent are first-generation college students; and 12 percent have disclosed a disability.
Westminster’s TRIO Scholars program is funded to work with 140 students annually and currently supports three full-time staff members – a director, an assistant director and a lead adviser.
Since its launch in 2000, Westminster’s Trio program has served 290 students, many of whom stay in the program throughout their four years at the college.