$1.3 million grant extends IU East help to first generation college students

The grant enables the university to continue TRIO, a federal program designed to help students who represent the first generation in their family to attend college, who come from a low-income background or who have physical or learning disabilities.

SSS academic coordinator Jack Haggenjos said with TRIO, the government “recognized a need for these students to have a backup. ... Our program can pick up and hopefully assist them in becoming more comfortable and competent in their classes and college life.”

The SSS office at IU East provides academic advising, one-on-one tutoring, peer mentoring, help with study skills, financial literacy training, career planning, technology assistance and more.

Director Brett Crowley said his office helps the about 200 students in its program with “everything from transportation issues to tough family situations.”

The grant will allow the office not only to continue what it does now, but also to expand its services.