$1.87 Million Award to Help Low-Income Students Complete College

Humboldt State University has received a $1.87 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund its Student Support Services (SSS) program, which helps low-income and first-generation students finish college. HSU will receive $373,378 each year for the next five years.

“We are excited to be able to continue to provide support to low-income students who will be the first in their family to earn a college degree,” said Dan Saveliff, director of the Educational Opportunity Program & Student Support Services at HSU.

The program was established at HSU in 1972 to improve retention and graduation rates for low-income and first-generation students. By providing guidance in the form of financial aid counseling, academic tutoring, and career tips, SSS helps students who are transitioning to college reach their full potential. Participants receive personal attention and are encouraged to pursue post baccalaureate degrees at graduate and professional schools.

“Our services help successful students get past the inequalities in education that often exist within the public schools in low-income, disadvantaged communities, including some of our local, rural schools,” Saveliff said.

SSS is one of eight federal TRIO programs designed to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds progress from middle school to post baccalaureate programs. The programs—which include Upward Bound and Talent Search—target first-generation college students, youth from foster care, those with low-incomes, and individuals with disabilities.

More information on Student Support Services at HSU. More information on TRIO.