Aug 15, 2025 | Featured , Grants

Columbia State Receives Grant Renewal to Fund TRIO Student Support Services

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Columbia State Community College recently received grant funding to continue supporting its TRIO Student Support Services through the U.S. Department of Education, with funding beginning Sept. 1.

With the $1.3 million in grant funding over a five-year period, TRIO SSS will support 145 students each academic year from 2025-2030 in the eight rural counties of Columbia State's service area, including Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Marshall, Maury, Perry and Wayne counties.

“TRIO Student Support Services is an incredibly impactful program for rural, underserved students at Columbia State,” said Patrick McElhiney, Columbia State director of grants. “I am thrilled that the program, and the important support it provides to these students, helps them overcome unique barriers and will continue for five more years.”

The goal of TRIO is to increase the retention and graduation rates of participating students. Columbia State’s TRIO SSS program has provided instructional and student support to approximately 2,700 eligible rural, disadvantaged, low-income, first-generation and disabled students since the program’s inception.

“We are excited about the renewal of our grant for the 2025–2026 cycle,” said Wynn Gooch, Columbia State director of TRIO Student Support Services. “I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the many successes our TRIO students achieve, and I am incredibly proud of each student who becomes part of the Columbia State TRIO family.” 

Nationwide, TRIO Student Support Services participants are 47% more likely to complete an associate degree and 18% more likely to earn a bachelor's degree than similar non-participants. At least two-thirds of all TRIO students are both low-income and first-generation students, meaning neither parent has earned a four-year degree. 

“The impact of TRIO Student Support Services has been more than just the data regarding graduates; it's about supporting students through relationships and experiences within TRIO in order to improve the quality of life in our communities,” said Cissy Holt, Columbia State vice president for Student Affairs. “We are so excited to be able to continue that support for our students and communities, and we look forward to meeting even more of these amazing students in this grant cycle.”

Columbia State's comprehensive approach mirrors successful evidence-based practices and includes:

  • Academic tutoring, advisement and assistance in postsecondary course selection
  • Individual Success Plans developed with each participant
  • Summer Academic Bridge Program for college readiness
  • Financial literacy education and federal financial aid application support
  • Career exploration and campus visits with transfer assistance to four-year institutions
  • Peer mentoring program with trained student mentors
  • Personal counseling and soft skills development
  • Cultural activities and academic enrichment opportunities

Students interested in learning more about TRIO eligibility and services can visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/trio.