Monday, September 22, 2025
The has been awarded a $2.1 million grant from the to strengthen academic success for undergraduate students.
The five-year award, covering the 2025-2030 program cycle, will expand UNT鈥檚 long-standing commitment to supporting students as they work toward graduation and career readiness, from first-generation and low-income students to students with disabilities.
Part of eight federally funded TRIO programs established under the Higher Education Act of 1965, this program helps students navigate academic challenges, overcome barriers and persist to degree completion. Since its creation in 1968, the program has empowered millions of students nationwide to graduate college and make lasting contributions to their communities and the U.S. economy.
At UNT, TRIO SSS provides a comprehensive support system designed to improve retention and graduation outcomes. Students benefit from:
- Academic advising and personalized coaching
- Financial aid and scholarship guidance
- Tutoring and academic support
- Career exploration and graduate school preparation
In 2023-2024, UNT鈥檚 SSS program achieved a 99% persistence rate, 96% good academic standing and 78% bachelor鈥檚 degree attainment, all of which exceeded federal performance standards for continued funding.
New Opportunities for UNT Students
As part of this renewed grant cycle, UNT SSS is authorized to launch the TRIO Student
Success Award, a new student grant aid initiative. This funding will provide direct
financial assistance to eligible participants, supplementing existing services and
further strengthening student retention and graduation outcomes.
鈥淕uided by our core values of achievement, commitment and excellence, TRIO SSS continues to help UNT students not only persist but thrive,鈥� says director Detra Craig. 鈥淭he addition of the Student Success Award allows us to expand our support and provide another layer of stability for students balancing financial pressures with their academic goals.鈥�
A 40-Year Legacy of Impact
Since its establishment at UNT in 1984, TRIO SSS has served thousands of students and recently celebrated 40 years of service to the UNT community. The program has become a cornerstone of UNT鈥檚 broader , which is dedicated to preparing career-ready graduates who will flourish in an ever-changing workforce.
Students who qualify must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who meet at least one of the following requirements:
- First-generation (neither parent/guardian has earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree)
- Low-income (family income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level)
- Documented disability, verified through UNT鈥檚 Office of Disability Access
Looking Ahead
The TRIO SSS team is eager to continue building collaborations with campus partners while creating new opportunities for student engagement.
TRIO SSS is more than just a program 鈥� it鈥檚 a community of support and encouragement. This grant ensures that UNT can continue to break down barriers for students and set them on a path toward lifelong achievement.
For more information about TRIO Student Support Services at UNT, visit or email triosss@unt.edu.
From 鈥� Students Engagement by Tara Coleman