Sykes announces $493,000 for TRIO programs

U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio) announced on Wednesday, Oct. 7, that the Department of Education has awarded the University of Akron $493,314 as part of the TRIO talent search program. This grant will be awarded annually for five years, beginning in 2026, and is expected to serve nearly 900 students each year.

"Programs like TRIO provide deserving students with the opportunity to pursue higher education," said Sykes. "I congratulate the University of Akron for supporting first generation college students participating in the TRIO program who will go on to make a meaningful impact in our community. I am a proud supporter of TRIO and other programs that help our families in Ohio's 13th Congressional District reach higher heights."

"The University of Akron Educational Talent Search Program is honored to continue this important work for another five years." said Dr. Fedearia Nicholson, vice provost for student pathways and dean of the Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College. "This investment from the U.S. Department of Education will create meaningful opportunities for Akron and Summit County students to prepare for college, careers, and the workforce. We are grateful to Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, Provost Gwen Price, Dr. Sandie Crawford and Akron Public Schools for their leadership, partnership, and continued support. I also want to recognize and thank our dedicated ETS team, Meiyah Hill, Amber Lambing, Shananne Lewis and Roy Rosario, whose commitment to our students and families makes this work possible. Together, we are investing in the future of our students and our community."

The TRIO Program is mandated by Congress and helps students from disadvantaged families receive the support they need to send their children to college. Two-thirds of TRIO students must come from families with combined incomes of no greater than 150% of the federal poverty line, and the student's parents cannot have attended college. Schools that offer TRIO programs give students tutoring, counseling, financial guidance and other forms of assistance. Educational Talent Search is a federally funded TRIO program that prepares students in grades 6-12 in Akron area schools for post-secondary education.

UA currently serves more than 1,000 TRIO students. TRIO programs provide academic guidance, tutoring, advising, mentoring, college readiness services, financial aid support and career development opportunities for eligible students. Nationally, TRIO serves more than 800,000 individuals each year, including middle school, high school, and college students, adult learners, veterans, and graduate scholars.

For more information about TRIO services on campus, contact Crawford at [email protected] or 330-972-7496.

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