U.S. Congressman Rick Crawford has announced that Black River Technical College (BRTC) has been awarded $1,179,975 over 5 years from the U.S. Department of Education to start a TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC). TRIO grants are used to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“This is our first TRIO program,” stated Martha Nelson, Vice President of Student Affairs who will oversee the program “and we are excited to have this opportunity to make education more available and attainable to residents of our 4-county service area. This program will provide support and resources to help our deserving adults with education that can change their lives and those of their families.”
Participants will be connected to tutors, mentors, and counselors for guidance on admission, financial aid, and college course selection. For those who may not have finished high school, help will be offered on secondary school re-entry or high school equivalency exam programs—or other alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts.
BRTC’s EOC project provides services to students in Clay, Greene, Lawrence, and Randolph counties who are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education including low-income individuals, students with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and other disadvantaged groups such as those who may be homeless, exiting foster care, or otherwise disconnected. BRTC’s project will also provide services and assist veterans, military-connected families, and ex-offenders.
\”These grants will help guide almost 200,000 adults toward acquiring the skills they need for 21st century jobs,\” said U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr.
For more information about this project or to participate, contact Martha Nelson, Vice President of Student Affairs, at (870) 248-4000 ext. 4029 or via email at Martha.Nelson@blackrivertech.edu.