Roosevelt University is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $2.75 million in new and renewed federal grants from the U.S. Department of Education to strengthen academic, financial and mentoring support for first-generation and low-income students. These funds include a new $1.36 million, five-year grant for the Student Support Services (SSS) grant along with a renewal of the SSS STEM grant for an additional $1.36 million. Together, these two federal TRIO programs will provide nearly $550,000 annually in federal funding to enhance academic support, financial literacy and mentoring for first-generation, low-income and disabled students.
The SSS grant program, newly funded this year, will serve 140 students across all academic disciplines through individualized advising, peer mentoring, tutoring and graduate school and career preparation. The program directly supports Roosevelt University’s mission of promoting equity and access in higher education and aligns with the RU30 Strategic Plan’s focus on student persistence, belonging and success.
The SSS STEM program, recently re-awarded by the Department of Education, will continue serving 120 students in science, technology, mathematics and other STEM fields. The program strengthens participants’ academic skills, science identity and financial literacy through hands-on learning, peer mentoring and collaboration with faculty, the Learning Commons and Roosevelt’s existing TRIO programs.
Both programs will be led by Riza Belen, who will serve as the Executive Director of Student Support Services, overseeing the implementation and coordination of both grants.
“We’re excited to continue growing a community where every student, especially first-generation and underrepresented scholars, feels seen, supported and prepared for the future,” says Belen. “These grants allow us to expand our reach and strengthen the academic and personal support that helps our students thrive.”
“These grants allow Roosevelt to deepen its commitment to helping students not only access higher education, but thrive once they are here,” says Katrina Coakley, Vice Provost for Student Success and Chief Retention Officer. “Through the coordinated efforts of our TRIO and Student Success programs, we are advancing the goals of RU30, creating a student-centered, data-informed and equity-driven university where every student has the support, skills, and confidence to achieve their goals.”
Since its founding, Roosevelt University has championed educational access and opportunity. The continued investment from the U.S. Department of Education affirms the University’s role as a leader in supporting student persistence and success. Together, the SSS Regular and SSS STEM programs will advance Roosevelt’s mission and RU30’s vision for student success by empowering more than 260 students annually to succeed academically, graduate on time and prepare for meaningful careers.
