UALR’s TRIO programs which assist first-generation and low-income college students will receive $370,651 in U.S. Department of Education grants for academic and other support services for low-income, first-generation or disabled college students to help them stay in school, graduate, and achieve academic success.

The grant was part of $1.2 million in support announced Thursday by Sens. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and 2nd District Rep. Vic Snyder.

The grant at UALR will be used within the Student Support Services program, which serves 260 students in the Academic Success Center. The program provides one-on-one and group academic tutoring; academic advising; financial and economic literacy; information on student financial aid programs and graduate school admission and financial aid assistance; academic, financial, personal, and career counseling; academic workshops and cultural and educational activities; textbook and laptop loan services; and grant-aid and scholarships.

UALR has four TRIO Programs. Two are located within the Academic Success Center — Student Support Services and Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program — and support undergraduate and graduate students. The Collegiate Success Program and the College Reading Programs are aimed at high school and GED students to prepare for college entrance.

TRIO programs within the Department of Education are designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. In Arkansas, 23,132 students were served by 78 different TRIO projects in academic year 2008-09.

“In addition to making college more affordable for Arkansans and all Americans, it is also critical that we provide students with the tools they need to be successful in reaching their educational goals,” Lincoln said.

“College can open doors, put students on a path to success, and strengthen our nation’s competitiveness, but first we must help students overcome any unique challenges that can stand in the way,” Pryor said. “These funds will help provide students with financial aid counseling, tutoring, and career guidance to ensure they receive the support they need to reach their full potential.”