Photo via SCCCD

State Center Community College District (SCCCD) has secured eight federal TRIO grants worth more than $11 million over five years– the most awarded to any community college district in California. 

TRIO programs, which the U.S. Department of Education funds, support first-generation, low-income and disabled students with services like academic advising, mentoring, career planning and university transfer preparation.

“This level of federal investment sends a powerful message: our work matters,” said SCCCD Chancellor Dr. Carole Goldsmith. “Through strategic efforts, including campus letter-writing campaigns, Capitol Hill visits and sending TRIO staff to Washington, D.C. using non-federal funding, SCCCD has elevated the voices of our community and students.”

Fresno City College received two grants totaling $578,878 annually, supporting general student support services and a STEM-focused program. Reedley College received three grants totaling $851,239 annually, with programs tailored to general support, ESL learners and students with disabilities.

Clovis Community College was awarded two grants totaling $544,728 annually, including one for a STEM program and another for student support services. Madera Community College received one grant for $272,364 annually, focused on ESL students.

Each program will offer a variety of services, including tutoring, financial aid workshops, peer mentoring and cultural enrichment. 

Key staff involved in the grant applications include Ben Reynoso, Chalome Gonzalez, and Dr. Becky Barabe at Fresno City College; Dr. Natalie Culver-Dockins, Natasha Castillo, Nancy Rodriguez-Alvarez, and Dawnielle Janssen at Reedley College; Kimra Garcia and Kira Tippins at Clovis Community College; Marisa McBride and Julie Preston Smith at Madera Community College; Nickolas Trujillo and Gary Hagy at the district level.

TRIO services are free for participants and are designed to improve graduation and transfer rates.