William Paterson University was recently awarded two grants totaling more than $2.7 million through the U.S. Department of Education’s highly competitive TRIO-Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS) program.
The funding will significantly enhance the university’s capacity to serve students from disadvantaged backgrounds, aligning with its mission to provide an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all.
William Paterson received two individual five-year grants, each valued at $1,361,820:
- A TRIO SSS General Grant.
- A TRIO SSS STEM Grant Program for students focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Both grants are designed to help students who are first-generation, low-income, or have disabilities overcome barriers to success in higher education, thereby increasing retention and graduation rates.
“William Paterson has a proven record of fostering student academic success by providing a comprehensive network of support resources that meet the unique needs of our students,” President Richard Helldobler said. “We are grateful for this pair of TRIO grants, which will allow us to further leverage our expertise and better provide more students from disadvantaged backgrounds with a lifechanging education.”
The grants will fund extensive academic and practical support structures. These initiatives will include:
- Financial Literacy Support: Helping low-income students navigate the financial aid system, apply for necessary funds, and manage their finances.
- Enhanced Academic Services: Offering tailored academic advising, tutoring, and mentorship programs to address students’ unique educational needs.
The federal TRIO-SSS program, established under the Higher Education Act of 1965, specifically aims to remove barriers for students who lack a family history of college attendance, come from low-income households, or have disabilities. The renewed funding underscores William Paterson University’s commitment to prioritizing student retention, graduation rates, and overall academic achievement.
