The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Northeastern Illinois University three TRIO Student Support Services grants.
The grants were awarded for all three Northeastern programs: Regular, Disability Access and Teacher Prep. They will be distributed annually through 2020 in $220,000 increments over five years, totaling $3.3 million. Northeastern is the only Illinois institution to be awarded more than two grants.
At Northeastern, TRIO Student Support Services is available to first-generation and low-income students, and students with disabilities. The program offers students extra academic and social help so they stay in school through graduation. This help is free and includes a guide and mentor on campus. All help is individualized.
“TRIO Student Support Services have proved to be a valuable resource for our students,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Richard J. Helldobler said. “We look forward to continuing to provide our students with the help they need to transform into leaders in the classroom and in their future careers.”
Students who participate in TRIO improve academically and greatly increase their chances of graduating on time. Students can receive concentrated assistance with advising, tutoring, financial aid and career planning.
Northeastern’s TRIO Student Support Services have consistently over-delivered on retention and good academic standing objectives.
During the 2013-14 academic year, 93 percent of participating students persisted from one academic year to the next, well ahead of the goal of 80 percent. During the same period, 85 percent of participating students maintained good academic standing, ahead of the goal of 75 percent.
