Jersey City, N.J. – July 22, 2015 – Saint Peter’s University today announced that the University has been awarded a $1.1 million federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The TRIO SSS is a competitive grant, which awards funds to institutions to provide opportunities for academic development, to assist students with basic college requirements and to motivate students toward the successful completion of their postsecondary education. The grant is designed to identify and provide services for individuals from low-income families, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities. Saint Peter’s will receive $220,000 beginning with the 2015-16 academic year, and the grant is renewable for $220,000 annually for up to five years. The funds will enable the University to establish a Student Services Support (SSS) program.
“College retention and graduation rates are incredibly important to Saint Peter’s and we are thrilled to receive the TRIO SSS grant as it will enable us to achieve even greater success in this area,” said Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., president of Saint Peter’s University. “Many undergraduates at Saint Peter’s are first-generation college students or are from low-income families and unfortunately these students often face unique challenges. We look forward to establishing the SSS program to provide increased support for these students.”
The SSS Program at Saint Peter’s will offer approximately 140 participants a comprehensive and integrative four-year plan, EDGE (Engage, Discover, Gain Experience, Excel), which features a suite of interventions and services that address the entire student experience including mentoring, tutoring, learning communities, internships and more. Grant activities will commence in September with the hiring of a director for the SSS Program.
# # end # #
Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, please visit www.saintpeters.edu.
Media Contact
Angeline Boyer
(201) 761-6238
aboyer1@saintpeters.edu