TAMIU Receives $235,000 TRIO Grant for Student Support

Students at Texas A&M International University will benefit from $235,000 in federal funding provided to continue delivery of a support services project.

The award was part of a competitive TRIO grant application process for funding support from the United States Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education. The award was supported by US Congressman Henry Cuellar, a TAMIU alum (MBA '82), and is four years in duration, contingent upon program progress.

The project, known as a Federal TRIO program, provides support services to 160 eligible participants identified as low-income, first-generation or students with disabilities. The program's main purpose is to motivate and help students to complete their postsecondary education. TAMIU's program has been active four years.

TRIO Programs, founded by Congress and funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, were designed to assist low-income Americans overcome obstacles to higher education in order to be better equipped to participate more fully in the country's economy and society.

In speaking about the Award, Congressman Cuellar said the TAMIU project will help deserving students succeed.

"Too often, students from disadvantaged backgrounds drop out of college, and miss all of the opportunities that come with a degree," noted Cuellar,"...TAMIU serves as a critical vehicle for economic development in the region...This grant for TAMIU will do a great deal to help those students succeed."

Program director Maria Leticia Valle agreed, noting the broad range of support the TAMIU program provides.

"Specifically, the program provides academic and financial support services and cultural, career and educational activities -- all designed to help participants reach their academic goals. It also provides mentoring, academic support through advising and career and personnel counseling," Valle said.

For additional information, contact Valle at 326.2719, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, 315D or e-mail lvalle@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

University information is also available by clicking on tamiu.edu.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu