A $1.7 million federal grant renews an Iowa State University student support program

AMES, Iowa -- Thanks to a U.S. Department of Education grant, Iowa State University's 30-year-old Student Support Services Program will continue to assist students who are first-generation college attendees, income-eligible or have disabilities.

The $1.7 million grant from the Federal TRIO Program (a sub-unit of the Education Department) will renew the ISU program for five years, enabling service to students who may need extra help to succeed at the university level. Each year, the office provides 250 students with academic advising, personal counseling, financial aid counseling and assistance, tutoring, instruction and mentoring.

"We are excited to be able to continue serving students in this way," said Japannah Kellogg, director of the program. "With this funding we provide opportunities and support for students who may not otherwise find themselves successful in higher education. We look forward to many more years of assisting in their retention and graduation."

Kellogg coordinated the grant application with program and support staff from his office. It included 65 pages of narrative, as well as statistics and data. Several other campus departments assisted with the grant.

The Student Support Services Program is part of the Dean of Students Office.