Marshall University TRIO Programs Receive $4.665 Million in Federal Funding Over Five Years
Marshall University, in Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia, announced on October 13 that its three TRIO programs have received a combined $4.665 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education, to be distributed over five years. The programs serve more than 2,000 students and adult learners annually across West Virginia.
The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) received $1.54 million and serves approximately 1,100 participants, helping adults explore postsecondary education, career training and other opportunities. "One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing individuals realize that furthering their education is possible," said EOC director Eugene Lacy. "This five-year grant will allow us to continue providing the guidance and support people in our community need."
Empowering Appalachia Talent Search received $1.5 million and will serve about 600 students a year in Cabell County at Huntington High School, Huntington Middle School and Huntington East Middle School. Its director, Heather Warren, said the grant provides five more years of career and educational resources for students and families. Heart of Appalachia Talent Search received $1.625 million, $325,000 a year, to serve about 650 participants a year in rural Mason and Wayne counties. Its director, Zachary Jenkins, a former Talent Search participant and first-generation college student himself, said: "This investment represents much more than grant funding; it represents continued opportunity for students and families throughout rural West Virginia."
Karen McComas, associate provost at Marshall, said the renewed funding ensures the university can keep helping middle school students, high school students and adult learners navigate educational pathways. The federally funded TRIO programs have worked to expand access to higher education nationwide since the 1960s, serving first-generation, low-income and other eligible participants.
Marshall University news release
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 马歇尔大学地标建筑Old Main（资料图）。Youngamerican 摄，CC BY-SA 3.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Old Main, the landmark building of Marshall University (file photo). Photo by Youngamerican, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
