CCC Receives $1.53 Million TRIO Grant

(Grand Island, Neb.) – Central Community College has received a $1.53 million TRIO Student Support Services grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The TRIO program provides additional resources to low-income and disabled individuals as well as students who are the first in their family to attend college. Krynn Larsen, CCC’s TRIO area director, said the goal is to help them overcome barriers and achieve their educational goals, whether that is earning a degree from CCC or transferring to a four-year college or university.

CCC received its first TRIO Support Services grant in 2000 and is required to apply for its renewal every five years. “This grant aids in access to higher education and student achievement through one-on-one support of TRIO students along their educational journey,” said Jessica Rohan, CCC’s grant director.

CCC can accept up to 186 students each year. There are about 65 openings each year for 65 new students to replace those who have graduated or transferred. Larsen estimates the TRIO program has served more than 1,600 students in the past 25 years.

The highpoint for Larsen is “seeing the successes. I don’t necessarily work with the students, but as the data person, the numbers show me that the program is working.”