UofM Secures $1.1 Million in Federal TRIO Funding to Strengthen Student Success

Four renewed and newly awarded programs will expand support for first-generation, low-income students, and students with disabilities

The University of Memphis has been awarded $1.1 million from the U.S. Department of Education to continue and expand its long-standing support for students through four federal TRIO programs. The awards include renewed funding for two Student Support Services (SSS) grants—$286,109 for the Classic program and $272,364 for the STEM program—both focused on improving retention and graduation rates for first-generation, low-income students, and students with disabilities. TRIO Upward Bound, which provides essential college preparation services, also received renewed funding in the amount of $309,504. In addition, the University earned a new SSS-Teacher Prep grant totaling $272,364, expanding TRIO’s reach to future educators.

These awards mark 20 years of TRIO services at UofM. Since 2005, the University’s TRIO programs have supported more than 5,000 students, helping them persist in college, earn degrees, and launch meaningful careers. Through individualized services—including academic tutoring, financial aid and scholarship guidance, career exploration, personal and academic counseling, and mentoring—TRIO empowers students to overcome barriers that too often prevent college success. Students who participate in TRIO are significantly more likely to complete their degree with minimal debt.

The impact of TRIO programs extends nationwide. According to a 2019 evaluation by the U.S. Department of Education, students at four-year institutions who participate in TRIO SSS are 18% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree compared to similar peers not enrolled in the program. Federal TRIO programs, funded under the Higher Education Act of 1965, aim to remove social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education. The University of Memphis’ renewed and expanded awards reaffirm its commitment to educational equity and student achievement.

For more information about TRIO Student Support Services at the University of Memphis, visit www.memphis.edu/trio, or Melvyn Harding at mharding@memphis.edu.