SCF Awarded Federal Grant to Help College Students Succeed

March 12, 2021 – Sarasota

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) has been awarded a highly competitive federal TRIO Student Support Services grant of $261,888 annually over five years by the U.S. Department of Education. Through TRIO, SCF will further its student service initiatives designed to identify and provide year-round academic and financial coaching and/or other integral services for first-generation college students and those from underserved economic backgrounds. SCF will prioritize increasing the retention and graduation rates of TRIO participants.

The student support services program began in 1968 and is one of eight federal TRIO programs authorized by the Higher Education Act to help college students succeed. Program advocates understand that students whose parents don’t have a college degree have more obstacles navigating through the higher education landscape. TRIO has a track record of more than 50 years of helping students overcome obstacles to earning a college degree and has proven the program does make a difference.   

Many notable people have participated in the TRIO program, such as former national basketball player A.C. Green, award-winning actress Viola Davis and the first Hispanic astronaut, Franklin Ramón Chang Diaz. SCF aims to open similar doors to success to participating students.

The TRIO principles are rooted in SCF’s institutional values of integrity, collaboration, innovation and inclusivity. “Students who need the most support are the ones who least likely to get access to resources. They are often either uncomfortable asking for help or preoccupied with juggling multiple responsibilities,” said Dr. Kristen L. Anderson, program director for TRIO student support services.

SCF’s degree-seeking students who are citizens or nationals of the U.S. or meet the residency requirements for federal student financial assistance are eligible to apply to this limited-access program. Upon acceptance, students will have access to comprehensive services such as financial aid information, and financial literacy training and planning. Other integral services will include academic advising, tutoring, college and career mentoring, transfer assistance, university tours and cultural events.

SCF will receive 70 grant-aid awards for eligible participants per year who demonstrate a commitment to the program. No match is required, but the college will supplement grant funds with up to $20,000 of SCF-administered scholarships annually through the SCF Foundation. Any student who is experiencing homelessness or has been in the foster care system may be eligible for full-tuition waivers.

Federal funds will finance 100% of the total costs of the program.

For more information about the federal grant, contact TRIO Student Support Services program director Dr. Kristen L. Anderson at 941-752-5257 or AndersKL@SCF.edu, or program coordinator Lordana Guillaume at 941-752-5463 or GuillaL@SCF.edu.