The grant comes via the federal government and will help fund the university’s SSS program for five years.
Tusculum University has received a federal TRIO Student Support Services grant that will fund its Student Support Services program for the next five years. The SSS program has been running at the university since 1998. Each year for the next five years, the program will receive $348,515 to cover the services it offers to undergraduate students.
According to an article on Tusculum University’s website, Rachael Barnett, who serves as the director of the SSS program, was quoted as saying, “This is thrilling news for our students. Our program changes the trajectory of their lives and inspires them to elevate their aspirations and pursue their dreams. It is rewarding to watch our students embrace their opportunities and land in fulfilling careers that make a difference in their communities.”
The university’s SSS program provides services and resources for undergraduate students, including those who attend classes on campus or virtually, who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The SSS program defines this as someone who comes from a family with neither parent obtaining a bachelor degree or having a low family income. The program also supports students with disabilities.
The free program provides accepted students with tutoring, mentoring, cultural and social activities, financial aid and scholarship support, and graduate school visits. Students who participate in the SSS program, most of whom may be first-generation college students, receive a scholarship and are given one-on-one attention to help them navigate their college experience. The school states that about 56% of its student population is made of first-generation college students.
Dr. Scott Hummel, the university’s president, said, “Funding SSS is a wise investment by the federal government. The return on the investment is palpable as graduates proceed to good-paying jobs that enable them to lead high-quality lives and support the local and national economy. We are excited and grateful to the federal government for recognizing the value of SSS.” He went on to thank Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger who urged her colleagues to fund the program. He said, “Knowing we have Congresswoman Harshbarger’s backing for SSS and other TRIO programs means a great deal to us. We appreciate the Department of Education as well for providing us with this notice now so our SSS staff can proceed with planning activities and programming and new and returning students who are part of the program will know they will continue to have this outstanding resource available.”
For more information about Tusculum University, visit the school’s website.