Three Local Colleges/universities Receive Federal Funding

Statement

The U.S. Department of Education has announced three local higher education institutions will receive federal funding from the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) Program.

The SSS Program awards institutions of higher education with federal funds to provide opportunities for academic development, to assist students with basic college requirements and to motivate students toward successful completion of their postsecondary education. The goal of the SSS Program is to increase college retention and graduation rates.

Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg received $246,045 to implement a student support services program that will serve 160 eligible students.

Mount Wachusett Community Collegein Gardner will receive $220,000 to implement a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and Health Science program that will serve 120 low-income, first generation college students or students with disabilities. MWCC's existing Student Support Services TRIO program, known on campus as the Visions Program, will receive $378,485. Both grants are for five year spans.

Middlesex Community Collegein Lowell will receive two grants. The first is for $240,392 to continue the Program for Student Achievement (PSA), which offers comprehensive, coordinated services to 100 students with documented disabilities, one-third of whom will be low-income, and all of whom will have tested into one or more developmental courses.

Middlesex CC will also receive $311,328 to continue its Student Success Program, which offers comprehensive, coordinated services to 200 low-income, first generation and disabled students in need of academic support. The program's purpose is to increase significantly participants' rates of academic achievement, retention, graduation, and transfer to four-year institutions with an associate degree or certificate.

"Using federal funds to partner with local institutions to address the needs of the region is a key tool in ensuring all people have the opportunity to pursue higher education," said Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. "The significant return on these investments will have ongoing reverberations for many years to come, as more students are encouraged and able to complete their college careers and enter the workforce with the skills necessary to succeed. Middlesex, Fitchburg State and Mt. Wachusett received these funds after a rigorous grant process, which speaks to both the quality of their applications and the schools in general. They exemplify the growing trend of Third District institutions becoming academic leaders in the Commonwealth. I commend these fine institutions and look forward to seeing the far-reaching benefits take hold."

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