CASTLETON—On July 29, Castleton University announced the receipt of more than $1.4 million from the United States Department of Education to continue the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program that provides Castleton students with the academic and other support services needed to be successful in college.
Castleton will receive approximately $292,000 annually for five years to fund the program, which services 230 students at the university each year. Having been initially funded for SSS in 1984, this recent award will continue a 31-year tradition of supporting the success of TRIO students at Castleton.
Students eligible for SSS services are either first-generation, low-income enrollees or have a disability and can prove financial need. TRIO grants are awarded to students in the first two years of college who receive federal Pell Grants but are “at high risk of dropping out.”
The Castleton SSS program creates a supportive environment for TRIO students by providing academic tutoring, assistance in course selection, individualized academic counseling, mentoring, information about financial aid and financial literacy, and support and resources to help students transition between undergraduate work to graduate or professional studies.
Student Support Services is one of seven federal TRIO programs that help eligible students progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.
