QCC’s TRIO Program Awarded Over $1.3 Million Grant to Support First Generation Students, Disadvantaged Students, and Students with Disabilities

WORCESTER, MA—September 11, 2020 — Quinsigamond Community College was awarded a TRIO Student Support Services Grant of $1,309,440. This is a five-year grant distributed in yearly increments of $261,888.

QCC’s TRIO Student Support Services program is a federally-funded program that provides support and services to first generation and economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities. The program began at QCC in September 2010 with 120 student participants and is currently serving 150 students.

“This grant award will allow us to serve more of our most vulnerable students by providing them with a high level of support services,” said QCC President Dr. Luis G. Pedraja. “Low-income, first-generation and students with disabilities can sometimes need additional assistance in completing their certificate or degree programs. This grant supports our community by increasing access and equity to college and career pathways that might otherwise be out of reach for these students.”

As a large inner city college, QCC has a diverse population that draws from all sub-communities within Worcester and its surrounding communities, with 21%  of students identifying as Hispanic, 14% as Black/African American, 5% Asian, 4% other and 3% multi-racial/cultural. More than 74% of students rely on Pell grants and other financial aid to supplement their education and expenses. Over 30% of students work an average of 30 hours a week, and have family obligations.

At QCC, TRIO staff members meet regularly with students to review and support a career and academic plan, to help them complete a program of study at QCC and/or transfer to a four-year institution. Services are designed to be hands-on with individual and small group tutoring, intensive advising, financial aid counseling, transfer assistance, discussion of academic goals, assistance planning class schedules, assistance with early registration and guidance throughout the semester. Students are also taught about social service and giving back to their community.

According to Joseph Adams, project director for the college’s TRIO program, the chances of TRIO students succeeding goes up 50% once they enter the program and in some cases that number may even be higher depending on their interaction with the program. The results of the program show it is working.

“QCC’s TRIO alumni have gone on to graduate from many 4-year schools, such as Cornell University, UMass, Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University, Clark University, and many more,” he said, adding, “The program also had its first graduate from UMass Medical School in May and is currently doing his residency in Pittsburg, PA.”

“Helping students achieve their goals and realize their dreams is what we are all about at QCC. By supporting those who have historically been disadvantaged and underserved, we are also helping our entire community,” President Pedraja said.

Visit www.QCC.edu/TRIO to learn more about the QCC TRIO Support Services program.

For more information about QCC, contact Josh Martin, Director of Institutional Communications at 508.854.7513 or jmartin [at] qcc.mass.edu

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