St. Francis awarded $1.2 million grant

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The University of Saint Francis has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Education for its Student Support Services Program. The grant is for $220,000 annually over a total of five years for a total of $1,200,000.

“The University of Saint Francis was awarded this grant through the TRiO Student Support Services Program of the U.S. Department of Education. We are very pleased to receive it, and we know that the funds will be of great assistance to us in providing services to our students,” said Dr. Rolf Daniel, provost of the University of Saint Francis.

The TRiO Program is a set of federally funded college opportunity programs designed to provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRiO targets low-income, first-generation or disabled college students, with the program’s goal being to improve these students’ retention and graduation rates.

“First-generation and low-income students face significant barriers in pursuing a higher education,” said Sister M. Elise Kriss, president of the University of Saint Francis. “Often, these students lack adequate preparation for college or the role models to encourage them on the path they have chosen. Thankfully, with the assistance of the TRiO Program grant, the university will be able to continue its long-standing and successful efforts to see to it that first-generation and low-income students receive the services and assistance they need.”

Services available to qualified participants in the university’s SSS Program will include academic tutoring, course selection advising, student aid information, assistance in improving students’ financial literacy, and information on applying to graduate school. Participating students will be expected to adhere to SSS Program requirements for retention, good academic standing and graduation.

The university’s grant request was submitted by the grant application committee, co-chaired by Jenny Fawbush, director of graduate studies at the University of Saint Francis, and Lynne McKenna Frazier, director of the university’s corporate and foundation relations.