Logo courtesy of Butte College

OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - Butte-Glenn Community College District has received four federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grants totaling $5.4 million to enhance services for students through the 2029–2030 academic year.

The funding from the U.S. Department of Education will support approximately 500 students each year who are low-income, first-generation college students, or have a documented disability.

Two continuing TRIO Student Support Services grants will continue Butte College’s longstanding TRIO Student Support Services programs, while two new grants will expand services to students majoring in STEM fields and those attending the Chico and Glenn County centers.

“TRIO changes lives, and these grants allow us to reach even more students with the resources and guidance they need,” said Butte College Superintendent/President Virginia Guleff. “By expanding services to our STEM majors and students at the Chico and Glenn centers, we are ensuring that every student—no matter where they are—has a clear path to success.”

Yolanda Salazar-Garcia, grant manager for TRIO Student Support Services, echoed President Guleff’s sentiment.

“These grants affirm our commitment to helping every student succeed,” Salazar-Garcia said. “By expanding TRIO programs, we’re ensuring more students across our district have the support they need to achieve their academic and career goals.”

Current Butte College student and TRIO Student Support Services participant, Darian S., shared, "Being a TRIO student has allowed me to find friends, tour colleges, and find local resources. It's nice having a retention specialist for direction and advice as well as simple reassurance that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing!"

The TRIO Student Support Services programs provide students with academic coaching, goal setting and progress monitoring, assistance with financial aid applications, scholarships and transfer planning and career planning, exploration and preparation.

Of the 500 students served each year, 140 will participate in the Classic SSS program, 100 in the Student Support Services program for students with disabilities, 140 at Butte’s Chico and Glenn centers and 120 STEM majors will receive specialized services.