The U.S. Department of Education awarded Bellevue College a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant of $1.47 million.

The grant will help more local students graduate Bellevue College.

TRIO SSS serves students who are low income, first generation student and students with disabilities. The grant is awarded every five years, and it will provide academic advising, tutoring, financial aid guidance, college mentoring, study skills development and more to 160 students annually.

“Students without family guidance or academic preparedness can be at a disadvantage when they enter college,” Barbara Brodsky, Director of TRIO Student Support Services at Bellevue College, stated in a press release. “We offer so many classes that it can be hard for them to know which ones to take for their degree. Or they might have never filled out a financial aid form before, or understand how to format a research paper. TRIO helps orient them to college life and offers support to make sure they’re successful in their studies and beyond.”

Since Bellevue’s TRIO program began in 2001, it’s helped 1,471 students.

With classes and coursework online this fall, Bellevue College states its TRIO program will be even more critical. Students enrolled in TRIO will have online access to mentors, tutors and a staff advisor. Weekly Zoom group calls will also help them navigate remote instruction. They’ll be able to share experiences, connect with fellow students, and ask questions.

“When students have access to these support services, their success rate skyrockets,” Brodsky stated. “This award couldn’t come at a better time, and we encourage anyone who might be eligible to learn more on our website and contact us with questions. We’re here to help.”

More information is available here.