Cerritos College has once again earned national recognition for its leadership in expanding opportunities and advancing student success. The U.S. Department of Education awarded the college a $1.3 million federal TRIO grant to strengthen support for first-generation and low-income students.
The five-year grant will fund the Cerritos College branch of the TRIO Student Support Services Project, a national initiative aimed at helping students stay in school, graduate, and build successful careers. By providing personalized advising and expanding mentoring and tutoring programs, the TRIO initiative at Cerritos College empowers students to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. For Cerritos College, these support services are critical, as more than 30 percent of its students qualify for TRIO programs, with over half of those students identifying as both low-income and first-generation college students.
“This federal investment affirms what Cerritos College does best: opening doors and creating pathways for every student to thrive,” said Dr. Jose Fierro, president/superintendent of Cerritos College. “With this grant, we will continue leading the way in making education a force for growth and transformation in our communities.”
Since its founding, TRIO has helped millions of students nationwide access higher education. This new funding expands Cerritos College’s reach and impact, ensuring more students achieve long-term success through the power of education.