Central receives $200k grant for TRIO programs

Central Connecticut State University has received a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant totaling $272,364. The funds will bolster the university’s retention and degree-completion efforts among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities.

SSS is one of eight federal TRIO programs funded under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to remove social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education. Since its inception in 1968, SSS has helped millions of low-income, first-generation students graduate from college and contribute to their communities and the economy. 

“We are honored to receive this vital grant, which reaffirms our commitment to equity and student success,” said Dr. Zulma R. Toro, president of Central Connecticut State University. “This funding will enable us to provide essential, individualized support to students who often face the greatest challenges in higher education. By helping them navigate academic, financial, and personal obstacles, we are empowering them not only to persist, but to thrive and graduate with purpose and confidence.”

According to a rigorous 2019 evaluation by the U.S. Department of Education, students in SSS at two-year institutions were 48 percent more likely to earn an associate’s degree or transfer to a four-year school, and students at four-year institutions were 18 percent more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree compared to similar peers not in the program.

“Programs like SSS go beyond academics,” says Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Carmen Veloria. “These programs are about fostering belonging, community, and confidence, with high expectations, coupled with high support — both are needed to be successful in and out of the classroom. Participants are not only integrated into the fabric of Central, but also into a large TRIO network that continues to exemplify commitment, dedication, and resilience.”