SUNY Canton Receives Grant Funding for TRiO Student Support Services
The U.S. Department of Education recently notified SUNY Canton that funding for the TRiO Student Support Services program has been renewed. As of Sept. 1, the college began receiving its allotment of more than $321,000. The funding is expected to continue annually through 2030.
“Our Student Support Services program uses a personalized advising model to help students navigate campus resources, manage time, build study skills and prepare for faculty advising,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Peggy A. De Cooke. “The program’s approach empowers eligible SUNY Canton students to overcome obstacles and continue their college journey with confidence.”
The funding was awarded following a competitive grant application process. The college demonstrated effectiveness and met federally mandated criteria with its successful student support initiatives.
Coupled with support from the college, the Department of Education allotment funds salaries of the dedicated professionals who run the program, among other supplies, software, and learning materials necessary to support more than 200 students a year. The program offers tutoring, mentoring, financial aid guidance, textbook and laptop lending and a specialized lab for its students.
“We provide tutoring, mentoring, financial aid guidance, textbook and laptop lending, and life-skill development,” said Kelsey A. Guerard, interim director of the college’s Student Support Services program. “We’ve also taken students on cultural and educational trips to Boston and Washington, D.C. Our main objectives are life skills, career readiness and cultural engagement.”
All student support service programs have differing eligibility requirements, and the directors have found they can help guide applicants toward the appropriate support plan. For Student Support Services, students are typically first-generation, meet income requirements or have a documented disability. Students can apply to join Student Support Services at any point during their education.
Upcoming initiatives within Student Support Services include launching a structured peer mentoring program led by a TRiO Academic Counselor.
TRiO refers to federal programs designed to aid students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are pursuing a college degree. All programs aim to help students overcome social, economic, academic and cultural barriers when accessing higher education and succeeding in college.
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