SAVANNAH, Ga. – In a significant financial boost, Georgia Southern University (GSU) has secured close to $3 million in federal funding, aimed at renewing their TRIO grant and widening the scope of their Sponsored Student Programs.

With the renewal of the TRIO program for another five-year term, GSU is set to introduce additional programs and resources, courtesy of a grant awarded by the United States Department of Education.

This federal funding is targeted at supporting first-generation college students, those from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities. Dominique Quarles, the Associate Vice President for OELDE, mentioned that this assistance will be available to over 9,000 students across GSU’s campuses.

“The support they offer includes academic tutoring, assistance with course selection, and in some cases, financial aid,” Quarles explained. “The aim is to aid students in navigating their undergraduate studies and exploring career opportunities.”

Quarles emphasized the significance of this funding in alleviating financial pressures on students.

“These grants are crucial,” Quarles remarked. “Regardless of the government’s status, the needs of our students persist, and we’re pleased to continue meeting those needs,” she added.

GSU has recently added a program for students who are in need of childcare services. The Armstong, Huntsville and Liberty Campuses have toys and other items so kids can play with while their parent can continue to receive their education.

“We were fortunate enough to be able to designate a location where we have a lot of child friendly items for students on campus,” Quarles said. “So that’s all in our portfolio Sponsor Student Programs and all of these are sponsored by the Department of Education.”

Quarles said he knows first had just how important TRIO programs can be when ensuring student success.

“I’m a product of federal trio programs,” Quarles said. “I graduated from Georgia Southern, so I think that these programs and I know that these programs work. I think that our students and our alumni are proof of that every single day. “

This grant is a part of a five-year program and at the end of the fifth year they hope to apply again.