Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) will use a $1.31 million federal grant to increase the assistance it provides to students at a high a risk of dropping out of school.
The TRIO SSS grant from the U.S. Department of Education will enhance support services for first generation college students, those from low income households and students with a disability. Research has shown that people from those groups are at a higher risk of dropping out, according to Margo Keys, CVTC vice president of student services.
”We know that low income and first-generation students don’t always know how to navigate college,” Keys said. “This grant brings them together rather than leaving them to figure out things on their own.”
The grant will serve 140 students over five years. CVTC staff will select participants who meet the program’s criteria, Keys said. The grant will fund a program director and project coach.
Students will receive services like one-on-one advising, career services and regular “lunch and learn” sessions. The selected students will work together and meet regularly, allowing them to support one another and get to know some fellow students, Keys added.
Keys said that this is the first time CVTC has received one of the TRIO grants, which are available only every five years.
“These are highly competitive grants based on the number of students who fall into the target groups,” she said.