TRIO Federal Grant Programs

TRIO programs are federally funded by the US Department of Education and designed to encourage enrollment in postsecondary or high school education programs. The various TRIO programs serve those who are first-generation-in-college (neither parent possessing a bachelor's degree or higher), low income (Federal TRIO programs taxable income guidelines -- http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html), veterans, or individuals with documented disabilities residing in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.

TRIO Programs include

Educational Talent Search (ETS)

Designed to serve eligible students from disadvantaged backgrounds in grades 6-12 to increase high school completion rates and encourage enrollment in any accredited postsecondary institution in the country.

Services include but are not limited to: college tours, academic tutoring, career exploration, ACT/SAT test preparation, FAFSA submission, college application and admissions assistance, and student and family workshops.

Eligibility requirements include maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, first-generation-in-college (neither parent possessing a bachelor's degree or higher), meet income levels established by the grant, desire to pursue a postsecondary education, and attend a participating middle or high school in the Escambia or Santa Rosa County Public School Systems. Please contact ETS at (850) 484-1620 for additional details.

Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)

Designed to serve eligible individuals who want to enroll in college at any accredited postsecondary institution in the country, whether it is enrolling for the first time or returning to college if they have stopped out for at least one semester (Fall or Spring); or transferring to a university.

Services include but are not limited to completing Admissions application, filing for financial aid (PELL Grant) or researching other financial aid options, and exploring educational and career options.

Eligibility requirements include first-generation-in-college (neither parent possessing a bachelor's degree or higher); meet income levels established by the grant; earned high school diploma or GED; and resident of Escambia or Santa Rosa counties. Please contact EOC at (850) 484-1961 for additional details.

Student Support Services (SSS)

Designed to increase retention, graduation, and transfer rates of eligible participant students at Pensacola State College.

Services include but are not limited to tutoring, academic advising, college visits, cultural events, financial literacy, and peer mentoring.

Eligibility requirements include first-generation-in-college (neither parent possessing a bachelor's degree or higher) or low income or students with documented disabilities, and must have an academic need (e.g., tested into one or more developmental education classes). Please contact SSS at (850) 484-2028 for additional details.

Veterans Student Support Services (VSSS)

Designed to increase the academic success and the overall experience for eligible military veteran students enrolled at Pensacola State College. Primary services include tutoring, academic advising, life skills counseling, college visits, cultural events, financial literacy, and peer mentoring. 

Eligibility requirements include veteran of US Armed Forces and first-generation-in-college or low income or a documented disability. Please contact VSSS at (850) 484-2047 for additional details.

Veterans Upward Bound (VUB)

Designed to motivate and assist eligible military veterans, National Guard and Reserve members of all ages in the development of academic and other requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of postsecondary education. 

Services include free assessment and enhancement of basic skills through academic instruction in the core subject areas, counseling, peer mentoring, tutoring, cultural events, and college visits.

Eligibility requirements include veteran of US Armed Forces, first-generation-in-college or low income. Please contact VUB at (850) 484-2068 for additional details.

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