The University of Iowa has received a renewal of a federal grant to continue supporting first-generation students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students with disabilities through its TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program.

The five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education will continue to fund services designed to help students stay on track to graduate, including academic tutoring, financial aid, scholarship guidance, career exploration, personal and academic coaching, and mentoring.

“This grant allows the University of Iowa to deepen our commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of background—can thrive academically and personally,” said Jennifer Lynch, TRIO programs director. “Student Support Services helps level the playing field and equips our students with the tools and confidence to graduate and become leaders in their fields.”

TRIO SSS has been part of the UI experience since 1977. Over the past 48 years, the program has supported more than 12,300 Hawkeyes, helping them overcome barriers, earn their degrees, and build meaningful careers.

Nationally, the program has a proven record of success. A 2019 U.S. Department of Education evaluation found that students in SSS at four-year institutions were 18% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree compared to similar peers not in the program.

TRIO SSS served 350 undergraduate students during the 2024-25 academic year and is accepting applications for 2025-26. For more information about TRIO SSS at Iowa, visit the University College website.