TRIO Grant to Strengthen Support for First-Generation and Underserved ECC Students
East Central College has been awarded a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant to strengthen academic and personal support for students who face barriers to completing college.
The program will serve first-generation students, those from low-income households, and students with disabilities. The grant is administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
ECC was awarded a five-year TRIO Student Support Services grant totaling $1,361,820 if fully funded. Each year’s award is $272,364 and requires a partial institutional match. The College must also show substantial progress on annual performance goals to receive future funding.
For the upcoming year, the total cost of operating ECC’s TRIO program is $402,902.97. Federal funds will cover two-thirds of that amount. The remaining match of $130,538.97 is met through resources already included in ECC’s budget, with more than $112,000 in salaries, wages, benefits, and other support already in place. As a result, the College will not need to identify new funds to meet the match requirement.
Through the grant, ECC will provide services that help students stay enrolled, make academic progress, and reach their long-term goals.
These services include individualized advising, tutoring, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and scholarship assistance, transfer planning, career exploration, financial literacy workshops, and activities that build confidence and connection on campus.
“TRIO is a proven program that improves outcomes for students who may face barriers to completing a college degree,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer. “This grant allows us to strengthen the support we provide to those students, and it reflects our continued commitment to access and student success.”
Providing these services will require four new positions at the College, two full-time and two part-time. ECC is seeking candidates for a full-time TRIO Program Director, a full-time College and Career Advisor, a part-time College and Career Advisor, and a part-time Administrative Assistant. For more information about these positions, visit Human Resources at www.eastcentral.edu.
The TRIO program has a strong national record of improving retention and graduation among students who benefit from structured support. ECC’s program will serve eligible students in both Union and Rolla, reinforcing the College’s mission to expand access to higher education throughout the region.
More information about student eligibility and enrollment will be announced soon. Faculty and staff may refer students who could benefit from additional support.
For questions about the TRIO Student Support Services program, contact Vice President of Student Development Sarah Leassner at sarah.leassner@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6565.
