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CCTC awarded $1.3 million federal grant to continue Student Support Services program

Sumter, SC (08/19/2020) — Central Carolina Technical College has received a federal grant in excess of $1 million to continue its TRIO Student Support Services program from 2020 to 2025. The program will serve 165 students from Clarendon, Lee, Kershaw and Sumter counties at a cost of $275,105 per year. This is the fifth time that CCTC has been approved to receive federal funding for the TRIO program.

TRIO is a federally funded post-secondary education program designed to provide academic assistance and support to Central Carolina Technical College students who meet the eligibility requirements. Federal guidelines direct the free program toward students who are from low-income families, first-generation college students and students with documented disabilities. Students must also demonstrate an academic need for the program.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of TRIO SSS is the privilege of watching students, who may begin their career at CCTC with little to no confidence in their ability to succeed, mature into exemplary scholars - many of who not only graduate but continue to obtain advanced degrees," says Richard McDonald, assistant director of CCTC's TRIO Student Support Services program. "TRIO SSS contributes to the success of the college by holding to a high persistence rate from one year to the next, a high graduation rate and high transfer rates to a four-year college or university."

TRIO gives students access to one-on-one tutoring, allows them to develop networking skills, helps with transfer assistance, provides opportunities to attend cultural events, and offers counseling. Leadership opportunities include the TRIO Leadership and Professional Development Council, TRIO SSS Ambassadors Training, and conference participation. Initiatives through 2025 include increasing peer and alumni mentoring, additional college visits, relevant financial literacy and non-cognitive skills training, and enhanced career planning.

"Students, especially while dealing with the challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, truly understand that TRIO cares and exists to help them in any way possible. We have strategically evaluated how we can continue to offer our services in a format that keeps our students safe but equally engaged," says Richard McDonald.

Central Carolina Technical College is a comprehensive, public, two-year institution of higher education that is dedicated to fostering a positive environment of teaching and learning for faculty, staff and students. The college serves primarily the region of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties in South Carolina and confers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Central Carolina Technical College students have a wide array of programs and services from which to choose. Our online programming and cooperative agreements with other colleges and universities provide students with exceptional opportunities coupled with our more traditional learning opportunities. Learn more: cctech.edu

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