COCC Awarded $1.3 Million Federal Grant to Expand Student Support Services

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Central Oregon Community College (COCC) a $1.3 million TRIO Student Support Services grant to help more students succeed academically and complete their degrees.

The four-year grant will allow the college to provide specialized assistance to 140 students each year, focusing on those who are first-generation, low-income, and disadvantaged. The grant will aim to sustain college retention and graduation rates, offers resources such as designated tutors, success coaches and transfer-degree workshops.

“TRIO students have incredibly high persistence and completion rates,” said Andrew Davis, Grant Lead and Dean of Student Engagement at COCC.

The TRIO Student Support Services program is part of a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Education to increase educational opportunities for underrepresented students, helping them successfully transition from community colleges to four-year institutions.