Harshbarger Announces Nearly $2 Million in Federal TRIO Funding for East Tennessee

"These awards mean Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Center staff at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), Tusculum, and Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority can keep doing this work for another year," said Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger. "My office heard directly from constituents in Johnson City, Greeneville, and across our district who were worried about what changes to this program would mean for their students, and we made sure the U.S. Department of Education understood how much this funding matters here. I'm proud of the work these grantees do every day helping first-generation and low-income students get ready for college, and I'll keep fighting for East Tennessee's fair share of these federal dollars."

"ETSU has a longstanding tradition of serving first-generation and low-income students, helping them access the opportunities they need to thrive in college and beyond. For more than 20 years, Talent Search and Educational Opportunity Centers at ETSU have annually served 1,600 students to pursue education and training beyond high school, whether at a TCAT, community college, four-year university, or through military service. Through personalized guidance, mentorship, and college and career readiness services, these programs have helped students build pathways to success. We are especially grateful to Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger for her leadership and tireless advocacy in securing funding for these programs, and we thank Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty for their partnership and commitment to expanding educational opportunity. This investment will have a lasting impact on the lives of students and families throughout our region," said Dr. Brian Noland, East Tennessee State University President.

"Our Talent Search program makes a profound difference by helping students recognize the value of going to college and becoming career-ready," said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum University President. "We are thrilled the Department of Education has funded our program. Congresswoman Harshbarger has been a tremendous champion for Talent Search and our other TRIO programs, and we are extraordinarily grateful for her assistance to secure this funding."