The U.S. Department of Education announced a five-year, $1,179,815 grant to St. Thomas University (STU) to start a TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC).
The EOC grant will help young adults from disadvantaged background, low-income individuals, first-generation college students, individuals with disabilities and veterans, pursue a higher education.
“This grant will open many doors for hundreds of students who otherwise may not have achieved academic success,” said Provost and Chief Academic officer Dr. Irma Becerra. “Now they’ll be able to receive the support and guidance necessary to explore the options available to them to further their education beyond high school, and become leaders for life.”
The grant will provide tutoring in ACT and SAT test preparation, financial aid workshops, campus visits to post-secondary institutions in the area, financial literacy workshops, and assistance with completing applications to post-secondary institutions.
STU seniors and graduate students will be trained to provide these program services to the community.
The program will also have a full-time program director and a full-time program advisor.
Program services will be available to students at North Miami High School, Carol City High School, as well as residents of North Miami, Opa-locka, and Miami Gardens – areas underrepresented in postsecondary education.
“We are proud of being a resource for the community,” added STU president Monsignor Franklyn M. Casale. “Whether these students become proud St. Thomas Bobcats, or pursuing their higher education at another institution, providing this important support is consistent with our university’s focus on service and community engagement.
In all, the Department of Education awarded $48 million in grants to 143 college and organizations in 42 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
For more information about this program or to participate, contact Gretell Garcia 305-628-6629; or email ggracia@stu.edu.