Hundreds of PennWest University students will continue to benefit from personalized advising, mentoring, and academic support thanks to more than $3.8 million in renewed federal funding for the university’s TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) programs.   

Designed to help students succeed academically and personally, TRIO SSS provides individualized advising, tutoring, mentoring, and career development for students who qualify. Students are paired with faculty advisors who serve as a central resource – often described as a “one-stop shop” -- to help them navigate college, connect with resources, and persist to graduation. 

The federally funded TRIO SSS program is among the most competitive in the nation. Both PennWest applications earned perfect scores in the review process, underscoring the quality and impact of the programs. The new grant cycle runs from Sept. 1, 2025, through Aug. 31, 2030. 

“These awards are a testament to the outstanding leadership of our program’s faculty and staff and the essential role TRIO plays in advancing student success at PennWest,” Giachetti and Aiello said. “Through this funding, we can continue to deliver the resources and support that help students achieve their educational and career goals.” 

The U.S. Department of Education awarded more than $419 million nationwide this year to fund TRIO SSS programs, which collectively serve nearly 200,000 students annually. PennWest’s renewed funding ensures that hundreds of students across its campuses will continue to benefit from the proven support and strong connections offered through TRIO. 

Comprehensive support 

At PennWest,  advisors begin working with students as early as New Student Orientation. At California, for example, new SSS students attend a dedicated orientation session during the first week of classes and are enrolled in TRIO 1000 course. Students at PennWest Clarion benefit from an early student/advisor relationship, which begins the summer before they arrive on campus. 

The programs consistently deliver strong results. Recent persistence rates for TRIO SSS participants at PennWest have reached 92 percent, far exceeding national averages. 

For information about student support at PennWest visit https://www.pennwest.edu/success/.