(News release)– The United States Department of Education has awarded Northwest Missouri State University’s TRIO program funding that will allow it to continue for another five years.

The funding for the program is approved through 2022. The Northwest TRIO program will receive $368,829 annually through the competitive grant, which totals roughly $1.84 million during the five-year period.

TRIO is a federally recognized educational outreach program designed for students with disadvantaged backgrounds. It serves as an umbrella organization for Northwest programs consisting of Student Support Services, Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science. TRIO programs provide valuable, supportive services to students from poor and working families to successfully enter college and earn degrees.

Since 1986, Northwest TRIO programs have promoted educational opportunities while assisting students in their personal journey of earning a higher education degree. The partnerships TRIO has within the Northwest campus community assist with addressing the unique needs of academically capable individuals who are first-generation students and come from families with limited income.

“Upward Bound’s pre-college planning framework assists its students in embracing more intensive academic performance habits to help their transition to post-secondary education,” Northwest TRIO Director Cassie Tavorn said. “This funding makes a very real and positive difference in the lives of our future decision-makers.”

The grant will allow Northwest’s TRIO program to serve 80 students when the new grant cycle begins Sept. 1.

The summer programs help students bridge the gap between high school and college while providing an environment for them to experience college life and independent living. The programs assist students with enhancing their academic, social, leadership and cultural competency skills to become forward thinkers in education.