Zane State Receives TRIO Grant

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The U.S. Department of Education strives to make higher education available and affordable for everyone.

Zane State College recently received a $272,364 dollar TRIO, Student Support Services grant that aims to improve college retention and graduation rates among first generation, and low income students as well as students with disabilities.

“TRIO programs have been around since the 1960s,” Zane State Director of TRIO Student Support Services Director Joshua Eno said. “They were an initiative by congress in the Higher Education Act and they’re actually multiple programs. The one we have at Zane State, Student Support Services, is for college students and it’s been at Zane State since 2010. So we’re excited to continue that here. The grant was awarded for another 5 year period.”

The Zane State College Student Support Service Department mentors students by offering a holistic view of the college experience that not only guides them along their path but shows them ways to get the most out of their educational endeavor.

“The fact that we have the opportunity to continue this resource is completely invaluable for our students,” Zane State Chief Student Affairs Officer Heather Merry said. “They provide individualized support for the students; not only from the very beginning, in that very first semester but they stay with them the entire educational journey that they’re here with us at Zane State. And then they continue to have those conversations as to what those long term goals are after graduation. Whether that’s to go right into employment or to obtain that four-year degree.”

Students interested in attending Zane State can learn more about the TRIO-SSS program online or when they attend the fall student welcome orientation that will take place August 5th.